Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 14: The Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday announced a drought relief package, including advance financial assistance of Rs 5,000 per affected farmer before Diwali, to address severe agricultural distress across the state.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a high-level Cabinet meeting attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and other members of the state council of ministers to review the worsening drought situation in several regions.
The government added 40 more talukas to the drought-hit list, taking the total number of affected talukas across Maharashtra to 305.
Fadnavis told reporters that each affected farmer would receive Rs 5,000 directly into their bank accounts as advance assistance before Diwali. The government has also finalised a list of 3.5 lakh farmers for the loan waiver scheme, with the process underway.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the Chief Minister said groundwater levels in Marathwada had fallen by more than three metres. Adequate water tankers would be deployed to meet the demand, with GPS tracking introduced to prevent mismanagement. More than 16,000 illegal water connections have already been disconnected, he said.
The government has also announced an unconditional waiver of educational fees for eligible beneficiaries. Fadnavis said banks and microfinance institutions had been directed not to forcibly recover loan repayments or electricity bills from affected farmers.
To protect livestock during the drought, the government will directly purchase fodder and encourage farmers to cultivate fodder crops, he added.
Fadnavis pointed out that drought declarations and subsequent relief measures had traditionally been delayed until November or December. However, considering the severity of the current crisis, the state government expedited administrative procedures to issue the necessary 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 and will be using state resources. The Rs 5,000 advance transfer will ensure our farmers have immediate liquidity in hand during the festive season," Fadnavis said.
The state administration has reiterated that ensuring adequate drinking water supplies remains its top priority.
Apart from the direct financial assistance, farmers in all 305 declared drought-hit talukas will continue to receive benefits under 12 comprehensive government relief schemes, the Chief Minister said.