MP flouting SC order on drought, says Yogendra Yadav

Swaraj Abhiyan convener Yogendra Yadav on Sunday accused Madhya Pradesh of violating the Supreme Court order, noting that even as farmers in Bundelkhand are reeling under drought, the state government is busy in issuing loan repayment notices to farmers.

"Many districts of the country are affected by the drought, farmers are committing suicide, they are forced to quit agriculture as they are not able to repay their loans. They are not even getting work under MNREGA (rural job scheme)," he said here at an event held to mark the World Environment Day.

Yadav, who recently undertaken a 'padyatra' (foot march) in drought-hit areas of Marathwada and Bundelkhand to take stock of the situation and spread awareness amongst farmers about the Supreme Court's recent judgment and directions on drought, also released a book "Bin Paani Sookha" based on a research and survey conducted by MP Apda Niwaran Manch.

According to the book, 19,000 farmers in 66 villages have migrated in search of a livelihood and most of these farmers belonged to tribal and Dalit communities.

In a recent ruling, the SC had directed the governments to not send notices for repayment of loans to farmers in the drought-affected regions among other directives.

--IANS

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