Faridkot cooperative bank has put up a list of farmers defaulting on payment to the bank with their pictures on its notice board. The move has stirred controversy in Punjab.
Several farmer bodies and opposition political leaders have condemned the move saying it could compel farmers to kill themselves, says Times of India in a report.
Punjab State Cooperative Bank chairman Avtar Singh Zira said the lists of defaulting farmers with pictures were being put outside the banks according to the state government policy. “Farmers, who owe loans, need to repay. Otherwise, non-performing assets of the banks keep on rising,” he said.
However, Punjab State Cooperative Bank managing director G S Mangat has feigned ignorance of the development saying he would verify it. He added no farmer would be harassed unnecessarily.