Maharashtra government seems to have sought additional funds, the official said (Representational)
The crop loan waiver scheme announced by the Shiv Sena-led government in Maharashtra is likely to cost the state exchequer Rs 20,000 crore, said an official on Wednesday.
The Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Shetkari Karjamukti Yojana has received a list of 34 lakh potential beneficiaries wherein outstanding crop loan up to Rs 2 lakh is gong to be waived.
The official, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, said, though the first list of potential beneficiaries has swelled up to 34 lakh farmers, there are several filters which will bring down the actual number of beneficiaries.
The state has already sought Rs 15,000 crore (for implementation of the scheme) under supplementary demands and another Rs 10,000 crore from the contingency fund."
"The state seems to have sought additional funds, but actual amount would not cross Rs 20,000 crore, he said.
Asked about reasons behind potential reduction in actual number of beneficiaries, he said, There are some guidelines such as persons (farmers) having monthly income of more than 25,000 will be excluded from the list.
"The families of government and semi-government employees, public representatives will also be excluded from the list.