No farmers’ blank cheques under Kissan Credit Card Scheme with Ferozepur banks
Ferozepur March 28, 2019: To avoid any harassment to the farmers, Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur took the initiative to get confirmation from the banks in writing to help the farmers to be tension-free from blank cheques given to the banks as guarantee.
Today, Rajesh Gupta, Lead Bank Manager, handed over a certificate that they have not kept any blank cheque of farmers in their custody under Kissan Credit Card Scheme.
In fact, the banks take blank cheques from farmers when they seek loans, as collateral security in agriculture advances, in violation of RBI instructions and fill in the amount due when it becomes apparent that the farmer is unable to repay an installment, and file for a criminal case.
In the past there had been agitation by the farmers outfits and a delegation of various farmers’ unions had met Gaind and complained that the banks had taken blank cheques from the farmers under Kisan Credit Card Scheme against whom they were holding a protest on March 30.
Following which the deputy commissioner convened a meeting with the banks and expressed his anger on the banks over the issue. He clearly asked the banks that they do not have any right to take blank cheques from the farmers and directed them to give a written certificate in this regard.
Inviting the farmers, the deputy commissioner said that if they were facing any kind of problem, his doors were open 24-hours for them. He told that he will try to settle all the issues at the spot.
He warned the banks even if they have submitted the certificate, a strict action will be taken if any bank was found to be holding blank cheques of the farmers.
