PANJIM: In a major development, the State government has waived off loans amounting to Rs 36.37 lakh to 59 industrial units that were set up after Liberation as the beneficiaries failed to repay the amount.

In a bid to promote industrialisation in the State, the government had introduced various loan schemes and amounts between Rs 5000 and Rs 25,000 were paid to applicants for setting up industrial units. Around 1890 people had benefited under the schemes.

“Of these 1890, a majority had paid the loan amount within the stipulated time period. However, there were nearly 155 loan defaulters, several who had died while in some cases, family members were not even aware that their parents or grandparent had opted for a loan,” sources said.

Several reminders through the department, deputy collector and mamlatdar were sent to the defaulters, however, the loan amounts were not repaid.

“Under such a situation, Department of Industries, in 2002-04 submitted a proposal to the government to waive off the loan amount of 155 defaulters,” sources said.

In the first phase, the government has decided to waive off loan of 59 industrial units amounting to Rs 36,37,941.