A flurry of election announcements on the farmers of Chhattisgarh, Congress says - will waive off loans

The Congress party issued its election manifesto for the Chhattisgarh State Assembly elections on Sunday, in which it made enticing promises for the farmers. This manifesto includes a promise of loan waivers for farmers and a commitment to buy paddy at the rate of 32,000 rupees per quintal. The ruling party in Chhattisgarh released its manifesto titled "Trust Manifesto 2023-28" two days before the first phase of voting in different places, including Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, Ambikapur, and Kawardha.

During the election campaign, Congress leaders mentioned various promises, including loan waivers for farmers and the purchase of 20 quintals of paddy per acre, among other commitments in the manifesto. While releasing the manifesto, Chief Minister Baghel said that farmers would receive 32,000 rupees per quintal for paddy, which includes input subsidies provided under the Rajiv Gandhi Justice Plan for those engaged in paddy cultivation. He stated, "Previously, the state government used to purchase 15 quintals of paddy per acre, but this year, we have started buying 20 quintals of paddy per acre.

The Chief Minister assured, "Just like last time, the (agricultural) loans of the farmers will be waived. In 2018, as soon as the Congress government came to power, we waived the loans of 9,272 crores for 18.5 lakh farmers. Baghel also mentioned that the financial assistance provided under the Rajiv Gandhi Landless Farmers Justice Plan would be increased from 7,000 rupees per year to 10,000 rupees per year. The government will purchase Tivara (pulses) at support prices from farmers. Additionally, more than 66,000 vehicle owners involved in the transportation business will have their outstanding motor vehicle taxes and fines, totaling 726 crores until 2018, waived.