Niti Aayog meet: HD Kumaraswamy asks Centre to give 50% for farm loan waiver scheme

Using Niti Aayog's stage to his advantage, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy put the ball in Centre's court by seeking 50 per cent assistance to his government's farm loan waiver scheme.

"Debt of farmers is staring us in the face. My government is ready to address this problem and I request the Government of India to support us," Kumaraswamy said.

In the midst of farmers' protests and increasing rate of suicides, farm loan waiver has become a big issue nationwide, including in Karnataka, before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. However, given the precarious situation of the economy, Modi government is finding it difficult to indulge in any kind of loan waiver.

"We need full support of the Government of India for this... While we represent various political ideologies, when it comes to development we should work together," he said addressing PM Modi.

Kumaraswamy said he is sure the NITI Aayog will prove its federal character given the developmental disparities in India, and added that Niti Aayog and the Centre must re-emphasise federal and participative medium-term planning with inclusive development programmes.