Tue May 20 00:15:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly criticized the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) for continuing to demand CIBIL scores from farmers seeking loans, despite previous warnings and RBI guidelines prohibiting the practice. He urged nationalized banks to increase loan disbursement to farmers, emphasizing the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy and the potential repercussions of denying credit, including farmer suicides. The CM also highlighted the state’s economic progress and the need for banks to support startups and women entrepreneurs in achieving a one trillion dollar economy. A credit draft of ₹44,76,804 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26 was approved.

**News Article:**

**Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Slams Banks Over Farmer Loan Practices, Warns of Economic Repercussions**

**Mumbai, May 20, 2025:** Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued a stern warning to the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) during a meeting held on Monday, condemning the continued practice of requiring CIBIL scores from farmers seeking loans. Fadnavis emphasized that this practice persists despite previous FIRs and clear guidelines from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) against it.

“Provide loans to the farmers without the condition of CIBIL score,” Fadnavis stated, highlighting the critical importance of agriculture to the state’s economy. “If credit is not provided to farmers, it has repercussions on the economy and it leads to farmers’ suicides.”

The Chief Minister urged nationalized banks to significantly increase loan disbursement to farmers in the current financial year. He called for immediate action against bank branches that continue to disregard RBI guidelines and demand CIBIL scores.

During the 167th meeting of the Maharashtra chapter of the SLBC, a credit draft of ₹44,76,804 lakh crore for the financial year 2025-26 was approved. Fadnavis expressed optimism about the upcoming agricultural season, citing a favorable monsoon forecast.

“The State does not face drought situation this year. The crop production will be good. All the nationalised banks should pay attention towards increasing credit to the farmers,” he stated.

Looking towards the future, Fadnavis emphasized the state’s ambition to reach a one trillion dollar economy, highlighting the importance of startups and women entrepreneurs. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde echoed this sentiment, urging banks to provide special attention to women entrepreneurs. Fadnavis also stated that Maharashtra has already crossed the half trillion dollar economy mark.

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