Corporate Affairs Minister Sachin Pilot’s statement at a farmers’ meeting in Haryana that the United Progressive Alliance government would not hesitate to roll out another scheme waiving farm loans, if the need arose, is irresponsible. It reflects the general sense of indiscipline prevailing in Manmohan Singh’s ministry where those who are close to the powers of the party do not hesitate to issue policy statements without consulting him. The banking system is already facing the problem of non-performing assets, which is also prevalent in the agricultural sector. Pilot’s statement will raise the expectations of farmers, and even those who are willing to repay their loans will postpone it. Was the minister authorised to make this promise? To undo the damage, the finance minister needs to deny the possibility.
A Seshan Mumbai
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