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Assam launches credit subsidy, interest relief scheme for farmers

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Guwahati, Dec 19 (IANS) A day after Congress President Rahul Gandhi promised a nationwide waiver of farm loans, the BJP-led Assam government on Wednesday announced a credit subsidy, relief of interest on farm loans and incentives for farmers across the state.

Assam finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the three new schemes for the farmers on Wednesday and added the schemes are being launched on the occasion of 125th anniversary of farmers’ uprising at Pothorughat in Darrang district where 140 farmers had laid down their lives.

“This is the 125th anniversary of farmers’ uprising of Pothorughat. We want to pay tribute to the farmers whose contribution to the economy is unparalleled. The schemes will benefit 27 lakh farmers’ families spread over 26,000 villages of Assam,” Sarma said on Tuesday.

He said the schemes will result in an expenditure of Rs. 1,000 crore.

“The Assam Farmers’ Credit Subsidy Scheme (AFCSS) will ensure that the government will deposit 25 per cent of the total amount paid by farmers for loans availed between April 1 this year to March 31 next year, subject to a maximum limit of Rs 25,000,” Sarma said, addressing a press conference on Wednesday.

“This scheme will cover all sorts of term crop loans and short-term loans for plantation such as tea and rubber availed of between the period. The government of Assam will also extend a benefit of 25 per cent of the outstanding amount of the loans availed of by the farmer between the same period with a cap of Rs 25,000 per such account if the farmer is depositing the balance amount to clear the outstanding dues,” he said.

The scheme will cover 4 lakh farmers with a financial implication of Rs 500 crore.

“Through the Assam Farmers’ Interest Relief Scheme (AFIRS), the government will extend special support to the prompt paying farmers by providing interest subvention of four percent on short-term crop loans up to a limit of Rs 2 lakh,” said the minister.

Asked if the schemes are announced to counter the promises of the Congress President, Sarma said what Assam has announced is more than a farm loan waiver, adding that subject to necessary budget provisions, the state government may consider extension of these three schemes in subsequent years.

“This has nothing to do with politics. We have already made a budgetary provision. It takes time in Assam for things to materialize. We could have declared these before the panchayat polls, which would have increased some seats for us,” he said.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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