2008 loan-waiver errors: Nabard report by April 20

Nabard chief general manager M V Ashok said that over 30 lakh bank accounts are being examined through which Rs 5,000 crore was disbursed towards farmers debt waiver and debt relief scheme.

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Developments (Nabard) state regional office,which is looking into irregularities pointed out by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in agricultural debt waiver and debt relief scheme in 2008 in the state,is likely to submit its report on April 20.

Nabard chief general manager M V Ashok said that over 30 lakh bank accounts are being examined through which Rs 5,000 crore was disbursed towards farmers debt waiver and debt relief scheme.

We carried out re-verification of bank accounts as per the orders issued by Centre. The examining process has already started a few weeks ago. We will be able to submit our findings by April 20, he said.

Centre had ordered Nabard and Reserve Bank of India to examine cases of irregularities and also take corrective measures to expose unauthorised beneficiaries.

In its report,CAG had highlighted irregularities in the scheme under which 3.69 crore small and marginal farmers and 60 lakh other farmers were given debt relief to the extent of Rs 52,516 crore. The report observed that in several cases farmers who had taken loan for non-agricultural purposes or whose loans did not meet eligibility conditions,were given benefits under the scheme.

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