MUKESH SHARMA

Kalimpong, January 2

The Kalimpong Krishak Kalyan Sangathan (KKKS) recently submitted a memorandum to the central minister of states for finance Namo Narayan Mani at New Delhi requesting for the relaxation of the loans taken during September 2009 to July 2011.

The four member representative of the KKKS headed by its general secretary Bishnu Chettri educated the minister that the loans taken by the farmers could not be utilized properly because of the Gorkhaland agitation. The team informed the minister that the banks have been sending notices after notices despite of requesting the state government in couple of occasion. The team also edified the minister about the absence of bank in the 31 no gram panchayat unit which has been causing severe problems for the undergoing MGNREGA works. The Central Bank of India in its 102nd foundation day had assured to open its 101 new branches in the remotest areas and the team appealed the minister about the opening of the bank at the rural places in the Hills like that of Rimbik, Samthar, Lingsay, Pokrebong. The peopleof the place had to spend Rs 200 just to visit the bank they added.

The KKKS had several times discussed with the state government on the relaxation of the loans that were taken during the time of the agitation but less was heard by the government.