Date:13/08/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/08/13/stories/2003081304191100.htm

National

Credit at lower rates for artisans mooted

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI AUG. 12. The Government could consider giving preferential credit interest rates to artisans, weavers, fishermen and similar categories as has been done in the case of farmers. A proposal by the Bharatiya Janata Party of extending the credit card facility to these sections along the lines of Kisan credit cards is also to be taken up seriously by the Union Finance Minister, Jaswant Singh.

This was disclosed by the BJP president, Venkaiah Naidu, here today. The issue was discussed at a meeting at the Prime Minister's residence this morning where the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, Mr. Singh and Mr. Naidu were present.

The Kisan credit card scheme had been "very popular'' Mr. Naidu said, and the lower credit interest facilities for farmers announced recently by the Government has also had a "very good effect,'' he added. The BJP had now proposed that similar facilities be extended to artisans, weavers and fishermen and this would be considered by the Finance Ministry.