NAGPUR, March 20: The crop loan scheme implemented by the State-level Agriculture and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) has run into a rough weather giving a crippling blow to the agro-based rural economy as the State Government has refused to release its share of funds.It is for the first time in its history, that the bank has faced a financial crunch because of the State Government's refusal to release funds, stated bank chairman Baburao Tidke.Addressing a press conference, he alleged that the Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance government deliberately withheld the State's share only to defame the bank's board, which is dominated by Congressmen.As against the usual share of Rs 11 crore, the State Government has so far release a paltry sum of Rs 1.67 crore to run the loan scheme for the entire State in 1997-98.Unless the State Government releases at least Rs 7 crore by March 31, the rural economy in most parts of the State would be in shambles. The underdeveloped Vidarbha and Marathwada region,facing an unprecedented crisis because of a prolonged spell of unseasonal rains causing extensive crop damage, would be the worst affected, he added.The Bank runs crop loan scheme and also extends financial assistance to rural artisans under different schemes supported by NABARD. Under these schemes, the Bank extended loan worth Rs 165.83 crore last year.Bank's plans to extend loan amouting to Rs 200 crore during the current year were badly hit because of the state government's negative role. The state government plays a crucial role as it extends its share of funds and also stands guarantee for the loan released by NABARD.As it has refused discharge its duties, the bank is finding it difficult to implement the loan schemes, he said.Tidke was highly critical of the alliance leaders for failing to respond to situation.Stating that the matter was brought to the notice of Minister for Cooperation Dr Jaiprakash Mundhada, Finance Minister Mahadeorao Shivankar and even Chief Minister Manohar Joshi,alleged that the repeated pleas went unresponded.The alliance leaders are more interested in politicising the issue than extending a helping hand to the affected farmers.He expressed the fear that the bank would face similar problems in implementing the schemes in next year if the alliance government refuses to amend its ways.Bank directors Chandrashekhar Balbudhe, Thavre, Ingole, Shelke, Jayant Lute, Arun Deshmukh, bank officials Damre and Bhoyar were present at the press conference.
