Punjab debt relief campaign seeks Rs 10 lakh loan waiver

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Charter calls for relief fund, commission, action against illegal recovery

Chandigarh: The Karzmukt Bharat Abhiyan on Wednesday urged the Punjab government to introduce a debt relief package for farmers, small traders, salaried employees and economically weaker families, proposing a five-point charter that included loan relief of up to Rs 10 lakh, a dedicated fund and a commission to examine the debt crisis.

Addressing a press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club, the campaign’s national convenor, Shah Nawaz Chaudhary Bhartiya, called on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to formulate a time-bound plan to address mounting household debt and take action against alleged illegal recovery practices.

The campaign said the growing debt burden had affected household finances, employment and social well-being. It highlighted the financial difficulties farmers and small business owners face, along with the pressure on women to repay loans taken through self-help groups.

Under its first demand, the campaign sought a public appeal by the Chief Minister urging people not to resort to suicide because of financial distress. It also called for stronger complaint redressal and support mechanisms through MLAs, deputy commissioners and district administrations.

The second demand proposed a Punjab Debt Relief Fund to assist farmers, small traders, salaried individuals and economically weaker families. The third called for a Punjab Debt Relief Commission to study agricultural, personal and business loans, as well as the state’s financial liabilities, and prepare a practical action plan for the next five to 10 years.

The fourth demand sought a loan waiver or targeted relief scheme covering eligible loans of up to Rs 10 lakh for distressed farmers, small traders, self-employed people and salaried families. The campaign said the government should set clear eligibility criteria, budget provisions and guidelines to ensure assistance reaches eligible beneficiaries.

The fifth demand called for strict action against alleged illegal debt recovery, threats and harassment by private financiers and unregulated lenders. It also sought impartial inquiries into complaints from women who had borrowed through self-help groups and demanded transparent recovery procedures that comply with the law.

Chaudhary Bhartiya said the debt crisis required effective policies, not just announcements. He urged the state government to review the proposals and prepare a clear plan to help affected families.

Those present at the press conference included Dipanshu Sharma Bhartiya, the campaign’s national legal head and an advocate at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Shaheed-e-Azam Inquilab Foundation chairman Harpreet Singh Saini Bhartiya, Surbhi Shrivastava Bhartiya, Amandeep Bhartiya and Rahul Parcha Bhartiya, along with other campaign office-bearers and members.

The campaign said it aimed to raise awareness of the rights of debt-burdened families, bring their grievances before the appropriate authorities and submit practical proposals to the government to address the crisis.