PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun In a major relief to the farmers affected by the recent spell of hailstorm, the State government has decided to suspend collection of electricity bills of three months (October to December) from them. The State government will also request the central government to defer the repayment of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans of such farmers for a period of three months. Instructions to provide relief to hailstorm affected farmers were given by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to the State administration on Wednesday. As per the directive of the CM, the farmers affected by the hailstorm will receive an additional amount of assistance equal to the amount already provided under the disaster relief standards. This will provide relief to farmers facing financial hardship due to crop damage and help them continue their agricultural and horticultural activities. To provide immediate relief to affected farmers, the government has decided to postpone electricity bill collection for the months of October, November, and December. On the order of the CM, the State administration will write to the ministry of Finance, Government of India, requesting a three-month deferment of KCC loan repayments. This initiative will provide additional time for affected farmers to repay their loans. Dhami said that the State government is committed to protect the interests of farmers and is helping them overcome the hardships caused by natural disasters. He added that every possible step will be taken to ensure farmers’ livelihoods and secure agricultural activities. “These decisions of the State Government will help in providing additional financial assistance to the farmers suffering crop damage due to hailstorm, reducing their immediate financial problems and ensuring smooth continuation of upcoming agricultural operations,’’ he said.