1271 farmers committed suicide in 30 months in Chhattisgarh: Minister

RAIPUR: A total of 1,271 farmers killed themselves during the last two-and-half years in Chhattisgarh, the Assembly was told today.

In a written reply to a question raised by Congress MLA Dhanendra Sahu, Home Minister Ramsewak Paikra said, "A total of 11,826 cases of suicide were reported in Chhattisgarh between 2015-16 till June 30, 2017. In these cases, 1,271 were farmers and 10,555 were other persons".

Maximum suicides by farmers were reported in five districts including Surajpur (198), Balodabazar (181), Balod (170), Mahasamund (153) and Balrampur (138).

Of the total suicides, in 11 cases economic crises was the trigger, while in 17 cases it was a debt burden, as per the reply.

The minister said the economic assistance of Rs 11,23,328 was provided in these 17 cases (to the family of the deceased).