(a) whether the cases of refusal to grant agricultural
loans to the farmers by banks have come to the notice
of Government during 2008-09 and the current year;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the action taken by the Government in this regard;
(d) whether the banks are using the services of private
companies for recovery of the agricultural loans;and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)
(a) to (c): No specific report has been received by the Government from the farmers
about refusal of agricultural loans to them. The nationalised banks have a robust
internal grievance redressal mechanism designed to address all customer complaints
including those relating to availing of crop loans by the farmers, etc. Various
instructions have been issued to banks from time to time in this regard
(d) & (e): The banks, in general, have been engaging the services of Recovery Agents for
recovery of loans. In this regard, Reserve Bank of India has issued specific guidelines
to banks for engaging the Recovery Agents, which inter-alia, include the process of
appointment of Recovery Agents, methods to be followed by them, training for Recovery
Agents and use of other means like Lok Adalats, Credit Counselors etc.