Maharashtra Government Requests Employees to Donate Salary for Drought Relief
In a bid to support drought-affected farmers, the Maharashtra government has called on state employees to contribute one day's salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Maharashtra government appeals for one day's salary donation from employees.
304 out of 358 talukas in Maharashtra are declared drought-affected.
Potential mobilization of Rs 306 crore for drought relief if all employees participate.
The Maharashtra government has made an appeal to all state employees, including IAS, IPS, and IFS officers, urging them to donate one day's salary from their October 2026 pay to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. This initiative aims to provide support for farmers impacted by the severe drought currently affecting the state. The General Administration Department (GAD), led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, issued a circular encouraging participation from various government departments, local bodies, public sector undertakings, and autonomous institutions.
The circular specifies that the contributions will be calculated based on the employees' basic pay and dearness allowance. Employees who do not wish to participate can submit written objections within two days. Officials estimate that if all government employees contribute, approximately Rs 306 crore could be raised for drought relief efforts. Notably, political parties have not yet called on their representatives, including MPs and MLAs, to contribute their salaries to the relief fund.
This appeal follows a recent expression of willingness from the Maharashtra State Gazetted Officers’ Federation and the State Government Employees’ Central Organisation to contribute a day’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The GAD has instructed department heads to inform employees about this initiative and encourage their involvement.
Maharashtra is currently experiencing a drought that is reported to be more severe than the one in 1972, with 304 of the state's 358 talukas declared drought-affected. In response, the government has announced 12 relief measures aimed at supporting farmers, agricultural laborers, students, and livestock. To fund these initiatives, the state government has also requested Rs 17,500 crore in financial assistance from the central government to address crop losses and manage fodder supplies.
The circular also mentions that employees who object to the salary deduction have the option to submit their objections through their respective administrative departments. Additionally, donation certificates will be issued, and contributions will qualify for income tax benefits under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, subject to the necessary conditions. A senior official indicated that employees generally show a willingness to contribute to relief efforts during crises such as droughts.
