The Telangana State Commission for Debt Relief (Small Farmers, Agricultural Labourers and Rural Artisans) Act, 2016
The Telangana State Commission for Debt Relief (Small Farmers, Agricultural Labourers and Rural Artisans) Act, 2016
This Act establishes a dedicated Debt Relief Commission in Telangana to assist distressed small farmers, agricultural labourers, and rural artisans struggling with unpaid debt. The law regulates outstanding loans by capping settlements, fixing fair interest rates on private lending, and temporarily halting legal proceedings initiated by creditors. It also empowers the state government to declare specific areas or failing crops as distressed to trigger emergency assistance. This legislation matters because it protects vulnerable rural families from harsh predatory lenders, prevents immediate property seizures, and helps them reschedule or discharge debts, safeguarding their livelihoods and financial survival during severe agricultural crises.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Constitution of the Commission.
- 4. Term of the Commission and conditions of service of the members.
- 5. Powers and functions of the Commission.
- 6. To declare as distress affected area or distress affected crop.
- 7. Application for debt relief.
- 8. Sittings of the Commission.
- 9. Special provisions in respect of settlement of certain loans taken by farmer.
- 10. Re-scheduling of loans taken by a farmer from financial institutions.
- 11. Bar of suits, applications and other proceedings.
- 12. Payment of debt in instalments.
- 13. The debt shall be deemed as fully repaid.
- 14. Annual Report to be laid before the Legislature.
- 15. Accounts and Audit.
- 16. Overriding effect of Act.
- 17. Bar of jurisdiction of Civil Court.
- 18. Member of the Commission shall be public servants.
- 19. Protection of action taken in good faith.
- 20. Power to remove difficulties.
- 21. Power to make rules.
PDF: pending for this language.