THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The survivors of Chooralmala-Mundakkai landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad are planning to intensify their protests after RBI refused to instruct banks to waive their loans. Many of them have no jobs or income to repay loans taken from public sector and private banks, and NBFCs.
A citizens’ collective called “Volunteers of Chooralmala Relief Centre” met with RBI officials in Oct in Thiruvananthapuram to press their demands. However, the residents continue to receive messages from the banks and calls from NBFC staff urging them to repay.
In their petition, the group asked RBI to write off home loans, agricultural loans, personal loans, vehicle loans, linkage/SHG loans, and gold loans; return security documents; protect credit scores; and issue interest-free loans to help rebuild agricultural and small businesses. Some banks have shown interest in restructuring the loans, while a few have suggested making them interest-free, but a concrete decision is yet to be made.
Rajesh C K, who used to ferry tourists, said, “We may now have to intensify our protests. We have been asking the banks to write off the loans, but they want to restructure them. They are not giving us a clear answer, and people continue to receive messages asking for repayment.”
The survivors are also planning to expand their agitation to other parts of the district. Sabita S, Kudumbashree secretary of Attamala ward in Meppadi grama panchayat, said, “The lead bank had people sign application forms for a loan moratorium two months ago, but we have yet to hear back. NBFCs are calling to remind people about repayments. There are no jobs, no money, and people do not know how they will repay. Due to the election, self-help group work has been suspended.”
Many survivors are also not receiving the promised Rs 300 aid from government.
“There is another larger group working among the people. We will consult with them and decide on the next steps,” she added. Now, the citizens’ collective is facing a crisis of its own, as people have approached different political parties for support to push their demand for loan forgiveness.
