Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 27: The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday approved the direct transfer of Rs 5,000 each into the bank accounts of farmers affected by crop losses exceeding 33 per cent across 304 drought-hit talukas before Diwali. The advance assistance is expected to benefit around 1.5 crore farmers across the state.
Following the weekly Cabinet meeting on October 13, Fadnavis had announced that each affected farmer would receive Rs 5,000 as advance relief before Diwali to help them cope with the severe agricultural distress.
The government has also finalised a list of 3.5 lakh farmers for the loan waiver scheme, with the processing of their cases underway. Tuesday's Cabinet meeting formally approved the advance assistance as part of the proposed relief package, which will be announced after an assessment of drought-related damage across the 304 talukas.
According to government sources, groundwater levels in the Marathwada region have dropped by more than three metres. Adequate water tankers will be deployed, with GPS tracking systems to prevent mismanagement. More than 16,000 illegal water connections have already been disconnected.
The government has also issued strict instructions to banks and microfinance institutions against forcibly recovering loan repayments or electricity bills from affected farmers. It will directly purchase fodder and encourage farmers to cultivate fodder crops to ensure adequate supplies for livestock.
Fadnavis said drought declarations and subsequent relief measures had traditionally been delayed until November or December. However, considering the severity of the present crisis, the state government expedited administrative procedures to issue notifications in October itself.
“We are well aware that this Diwali brings severe hardship for our farmers. Central government relief protocols involve procedures and timelines that cannot be finalised before Diwali. Understanding this urgency, the state Cabinet decided to step in immediately, using state resources. The Rs 5,000 advance transfer will ensure our farmers have immediate liquidity in hand during the festive season,” he said.
At Tuesday's meeting, the Cabinet also approved revisions to the Maharashtra Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy to streamline project screening, in-principle approvals, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), transaction structuring, tendering and bidding procedures.
The Cabinet approved the extension of the Matoshri Gramsamriddhi Sheti-Panand Road Scheme, which will continue through coordination with various programmes, including the Viksit Bharat - Gramin Road Initiative. The state-level scheme has been accorded recognition as a district-level scheme, allowing it to receive funding through the District Planning Committee (DPC). A state-level committee has also been authorised to address operational and field-level challenges to ensure smooth implementation.
In another decision, the Cabinet approved earmarking one per cent of the District Annual Plan (General) for the welfare, rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities across Maharashtra.
The Cabinet also approved a revised administrative structure comprising 39,722 posts across five corporations and regional offices, along with restructuring of offices.
It cleared the development of a national-level exhibition centre at Lohegaon in Pune on the lines of Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Modification of the reservation status of a playground plot in the Pune Municipal Corporation's approved Development Plan at Lohegaon will facilitate the speedy construction of the proposed facility.
The Cabinet further approved financial assistance of Rs 66.82 crore to Bajaj Auto Limited under the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Promotion Policy to boost local electric vehicle manufacturing.
In a move to improve regional air connectivity, the Cabinet approved the resumption of direct flights between Navi Mumbai and Chipi in Sindhudurg district, in both directions. It also sanctioned 100 per cent Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for airline operators to revive air connectivity in the region.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the transfer of 289 hectares and 69 ares of land at Raver village to the Regional Officer of the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Dhule, for the expansion of an industrial estate.