Maharashtra Government Allocates ₹5,000 Advance to Farmers Ahead of Diwali
In a bid to provide immediate relief, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved an advance payment to farmers in drought-affected areas.
Farmers in drought-hit regions will receive ₹5,000 as interim relief before Diwali.
The advance payment is part of a broader drought relief package affecting 305 talukas.
The government has disconnected illegal water connections to manage water scarcity.
The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has announced a significant advance payment of ₹5,000 to farmers in drought-stricken areas, aiming to provide immediate financial relief ahead of the Diwali festival. This decision, made on October 14, allows the state to bypass federal procedures for drought assistance, ensuring that funds reach farmers directly in their bank accounts.
The state estimates that the advance payments could total between ₹6,000 crore and ₹7,000 crore, with the final number of beneficiaries still to be determined based on eligibility criteria. This initiative comes as the government has expanded the list of drought-affected talukas from 265 to 305, reflecting the ongoing agricultural distress due to insufficient rainfall and water shortages.
Chief Minister Fadnavis confirmed that all standard drought-relief measures would be extended to the newly identified talukas, which include restructuring of crop loans, concessions on land revenue, and subsidies for electricity bills. The advance payment is designed to offer immediate support while the central government continues its assessment and relief procedures, with farmers eligible for further assistance under the applicable relief package.
In addition to financial aid, the government has issued warnings to District Central Cooperative Banks and credit societies against coercive loan recovery practices. Measures are also being implemented to address water scarcity in affected regions, including the early deployment of water tankers, which will be monitored via GPS. The state has disconnected approximately 16,000 illegal water connections to safeguard drinking water supplies.
As the agricultural crisis deepens, the advance payment has faced criticism from farmers' organizations and opposition leaders, questioning whether ₹5,000 is adequate to cover crop losses and cultivation expenses. The government maintains that this payment is intended as a temporary measure while further assessments for additional assistance are conducted as the drought situation develops.
