Alappuzha: The government’s assurance that pending PRS arrears wouldn’t adversely impact farmers has been contradicted by a tragic incident in Alappuzha. Prasad (55), a farmer from Ambedkar colony, Thakazhi, committed suicide. He was the office-bearer of the BJP farmers’ organisation and the Alappuzha district president of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh. Prasad’s suicide was reportedly triggered by his unsuccessful attempt to secure an agricultural loan from a bank, citing pending PRS loan arrears as the reason for the denial. Prasad attempted suicide by consuming poison and was promptly admitted to a Thiruvalla private hospital. He succumbed to the poisoning earlier today while receiving medical care.
Prasad sought an agricultural loan from the bank, but his request was denied, with the bank citing outstanding PRS loan arrears as the reason. The government’s default on other loans, linked to non-repayment issues, added to Prasad’s financial distress. Following his unsuccessful attempt to secure the loan, Prasad committed suicide after sharing his concerns with Kisan Sangh district secretary Sivarajan over the phone. Despite ministerial assurances that PRS dues would not adversely affect farmers and would be covered by the government, an audio recording obtained by Janam TV reveals Prasad’s struggles as he discussed the issue with Sivarajan.
I have failed in my life though i quit drinking 20 years ago, now i was forced to start the habit again due to may pathetic condition,” he was heard telling his friend Sivarajan in a phone record voice, as reported
“It is the state government’s duty to promptly repay the PRS loans and interests. And the authorities failed to do that and now none of the banks are providing me loans for cultivation, I have now no means to live,” Prasad wrote in his suicide note. As per the suicide note, a sum of Rs. five lakh was extended by the bank for the paddy procured during the 2022-23 season, but the state government has allegedly failed to repay it thus far, as reported.
Comments