Mandya: Maintaining that the beneficiaries of the Corporation are not being forced to repay loans, D. Devaraj Urs Backward Classes Development Corporation Chairman Raghu Kautilya clarified that the beneficiaries are only being appealed for repayment of loans.

He was speaking to press persons after being felicitated by leaders of different Backward Communities at Kumbara Hostel in Mandya on Sunday.

Pointing out that the Corporation is yet to recover Rs. 800 crore that was advanced as loans to beneficiaries of various schemes, Raghu Kautilya said that the Corporation can extend loans to others if the beneficiaries who have already availed loans make timely repayment.

Noting that the beneficiaries must make use of loans for their growth and economic betterment, he said that the beneficiaries have been given a 20 percent subsidy despite the difficult situation, which they should realise and come forward for repayment of loans as per schedule. 

Asserting that there is no question of any loan waiver, he said that the beneficiaries must not misuse the Corporation’s lenience towards them during the COVID pandemic times.

Highlighting that the Corporation has decided to distribute 1,000 sewing machines and 500 computers among beneficiaries in each of the districts of the State, he said that the list of beneficiaries will be prepared by a Committee headed by the local Legislator. Noting that this initiative was announced by the previous Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa in the State Budget, he said that this is now awaiting Government sanction.

Regretting that Ganga Kalyana scheme has taken a hit due to dearth of funds, he said that the Corporation, realising the problems being faced by the beneficiaries, has scrapped the tender system.

He further said that the Corporation has plans to coach students from Backward communities  for various competitive exams such as Banking, Civil Services, KPSC, Railways, Insurance, etc.