Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma today announced that only underprivileged women would be eligible for the micro finance loans waiver as promised by the BJP in the run-up to this year's Assembly elections.
CM Sarma while addressing the media, said, "In every rally, I had said that every poor woman would be given micro-finance help. If you want, you can watch video clippings. So whatever we do we have to do for the poor and helpless lot."
The waiver of loans will have several terms and conditions and it only makes sense for the poorer sections to avail the benefit, added the Chief Minister.
The CM further added that the lives of around 22 lakh women in the state will be benefited by the scheme "either through incentive or relief. The rich women of the state should be completely excluded from the scheme and said that in each speech that he had made before polls, he mentioned that it was meant for "poor women."
Different criteria to waive microfinance (MF) loans to the tune of more than Rs 12,500 crore have been set by the Government of Assam. However, after looking at the criteria, the total liability has come to 8,250 crore.
To assess the financial situation for fulfilling the BJP's election promise for waiving microfinance loans, the irrigation and urban development minister is heading a committee. Only those who have taken Joint Liability Group (JLG) loans are eligible.
Meanwhile, opposition party Congress in Assam alleged that BJP led government is making a U-turn on the microfinance loan waiver scheme.
Leader of opposition in Assam assembly, Debabrata Saikia said that during election campaign BJP has promised waiver however now the government is saying that waiver will come with exceptions this is U-turn.
As per reports, chairman of microfinance waiver committee Ashok Singhal said the waiver will exclude income tax payee, persons availing multiple loans, a person having four-wheelers and a person whose annual income is more than one lakh.
In addition, the CM also said only those families who have not more than 2 children will be eligible for the schemes. The "population norms", however, will not be applicable for the scheduled caste and tribe and the tea tribe community.
