One Year Needed To Implement Farmers’ Schemes: Centre Tells SC, SC Grants Six Months

Observing that the line of action adopted by the Central government for farmers across the country is a long-term strategy that needs time for implementation, the Supreme Court has granted six months to take care of farmers’ issue.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India JS Khehar accepted Attorney General KK Venugopal's request to grant more time for implementation of various Central government schemes to cover about 50 per cent of farmers.

Seeking a year’s time for implementation of schemes, the AG said the government schemes have covered about 40 per cent farmers and likely to cover 50 per cent of farmers by 2018-19.

The court recorded that out of total 5.34 crore, 12 crore farmers were covered under the government schemes.

The AG submitted a list of schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bina Yojana, saying the government has initiated schemes at various levels.

Kisan Credit Card offers insurance at low costs, he added. Efforts were being taken at multiple levels to ensure protection to farmers.

Petitioner's counsel Colin Gonzalvis submitted that private insurance companies were given Rs. 13,500 crore by the government, but those had not utilised the funds so far.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Citizens Resource and Action Initiative, highlighting farmers’ issues and their failure to repay loan amount forced them to commit suicide.

TODAY'S ORDER

“Ld Attorney General  K K Venugopal has contended that a line of action has been adopted by the central government to prevent the suicide by farmers. He says that 5.34 crore farmers out of a total of 12 crore stand covered by various schemes of the government. He also pointed out that 30% of the crop area should be taken as already secured. The AG says the area will be  enhanced to 50% by 2018-19. Ld senior lawyer Colin Gonsalves appearing for the petitioner says there is deficiency in making the schemes fully operational and it should be done in true spirit to ensure that the problem of farmers suicide is taken care of”

“AG for Centre seeks further time to deal with the matter and requests that the matter be taken up after a year for the schemes to automatically yield dividends and to ensure that the schemes produced the desired results. We are of the view that the issue is serious and things cannot be done overnight. We would however appreciate if the Centre may obtain suggestions from Colin Gonsalves to finalise the implementation measures. Post after six months”