Finance Minister Jaitley rules out farm loan waivers by Centre

23 March, New Delhi

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday ruled out farm loan waivers by the Centre but said states can utilise their own resources in this regard.

He clarified that the Centre will not adopt a selective approach by helping one state.

Replying to a query in the Rajya Sabha during a discussion on General Budget, the Minister said the Centre has its policies for agriculture sector under which it provides interest subvention and other supports.

The Congress had demanded that the government announce a loan waiver for farmers across the country as was done by the UPA in 2006 and not just for UP where the BJP has returned to power with a thumping majority.