Lack of clarity leaves moratorium extension on farm loans in limbo
The CEO sought explanation from the government as to why the situation required urgent action at a time when the model code of conduct was in force for the Lok Sabha election.
The CEO sought explanation from the government as to why the situation required urgent action at a time when the model code of conduct was in force for the Lok Sabha election.
The CEO sought explanation from the government as to why the situation required urgent action at a time when the model code of conduct was in force for the Lok Sabha election.
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Teeka Ram Meena on Tuesday returned the file pertaining to the cabinet’s decision to extend the moratorium on agricultural loan recovery till December 31, seeking more clarity on the application from the chief secretary.
The CEO sought explanation from the government as to why the situation required urgent action at a time when the model code of conduct was in force for the Lok Sabha election.
The government also failed to comment on the urgency and necessity of the proposal seeking extension of an existing moratorium on recovery proceedings or explain the potential consequences if it had not taken such a decision in a hurry.
It also did not give an explanation for the delay in executing the cabinet decision before the Election code of conduct of conduct came into force.
The CEO returned the file to the chief secretary citing that he was not in a position to forward the matter to the Election Commission of India (ECI) or take a decision on his own due to the lack of clarity on the proposal.
The government was required to seek exemption on a proposal termed as important from the Election Commission in a prescribed format and submit the same to the CEO after ensuring careful examination or scrutiny by the screening committee under the chairmanship of the chief secretary. However, these requirements were not complied with.
If the government resubmits the proposal providing the requisite explanation, the CEO may forward it to the ECI for its consideration, it was learnt.
The last meeting of the state cabinet had come down heavily on the chief secretary over the delay in passing the orders based on its decisions. After issuing the order, Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan had instructed the screening committee to seek approval from the election commission for extending the moratorium on loan recovery till December 31. However, the panel failed to act on the minister’s directions and did not bring it to the notice of the chief minister.
The moratorium, which the government had announced in October last year, was valid till October 11, 2019.