Telangana Finance Minister Etela Rajender on Saturday cited shortage of staff as the reason for the delay in implementing the promise of waiving off farmers' loans.
Speaking to media persons, Etela said that the required data could not be procured from the banks due to the lack of adequate staff.
However, he said that the process had already been set in motion, and the promise would be fulfilled soon.
The Minister also made it clear that the government would extend the benefit of loan waiver only to genuine farmers.
He said the process of weeding out fake farmers had already begun, and only the deserving beneficiaries would be extended the benefit, which would cost the State's exchequer nearly Rs 16,000 crores.
Claiming that 99% clarity had been reached on farm loan waiver scheme, he said that the remaining 1% clarity would come in the next few days. (INN)