Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. has said that the identities of complainants will be kept confidential.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO
The Dharwad district administration has begun a crackdown on private finance companies and microfinance companies involved in harassment of farmers and rural poor over loan repayment.
Police officers have registered over 25 cases against microfinance companies on the charge of harassment, officers said.
Investigations have begun from various police stations against such incidents.
These steps are in line with the State government’s directions monitoring the private finance sector.
The district administration has also introduced a helpline through which victims can file complaints against mental and physical harassment by recovery personnel from these companies.
Following a directive from the Chief Minister, the helpline has been set up at the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Victims can call Ph: 0836-2445508 or the Toll-Free Number 1077.
Deputy Commissioner Divya Prabhu G.R.J. has said that the identities of complainants will be kept confidential.
Officers said that the helpline is being used by victims already. The round-the-clock helpline centre is manned by officers in three shifts. It has also helped officers book cases.
Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies Ramesh Bagali has been appointed as the supervising officer for the helpline.
The helpline staff records all complaints and information received via phone calls in the office records. The details are then immediately forwarded to the respective Tahsildars and the Police Department for necessary action.
Meanwhile, farmers associations in Haveri have issued a warning to microfinance company officers or agents who are involved in harassment of borrowers.
Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene activists have put up boards outside some villages asking recovery agents not to enter villages or harass farmers needlessly.
A board in Byadagi has warned of a fierce fight if farmers are harassed. Watchdog committees will be formed in each village to protect farmers, the notice said.
KRRS secretary Mallikarjun Bellary has demanded that microfinance companies that collect interest unfairly should be blacklisted and closed down.
He said that some private companies are collecting over 40% interest on loans. “These are not in tune with RBI guidelines. The government should keep an eye on interest collection,” he said.
Published – February 16, 2025 07:38 pm IST
