Maharashtra IAS and IPS Officers Pledge One Day's Salary for Drought Relief
In response to the severe drought affecting Maharashtra, senior IAS and IPS officers will donate one day's salary to support farmers.
305 talukas in Maharashtra declared drought-affected as of October 14, 2026.
Officers' donations will go to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Government announces relief measures including loan restructuring and fee waivers for students.
As Maharashtra faces a critical water shortage, senior IAS and IPS officers have pledged to donate one day's salary to aid farmers struggling due to the ongoing drought. This initiative aims to support the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, which is crucial for providing immediate assistance to those affected by the severe economic conditions.
The state's Relief and Rehabilitation Department officially classified 305 talukas as drought-affected on October 14, 2026. This declaration has prompted the government to implement several relief measures for farmers in these regions. Key initiatives include a complete exemption from land revenue for affected farmers, restructuring of crop loans, and an immediate halt to all agricultural loan recoveries.
In addition to these measures, the government is also addressing the educational needs of children in drought-affected areas by waiving examination fees. Furthermore, special concessions will be provided for existing electricity bills related to agricultural pumps, easing the financial burden on farmers.
The organization representing the IAS and IPS officers has submitted a formal letter to the state government regarding their salary contributions to the drought relief fund. Elected representatives are also joining the effort; for instance, Shekhar Nikam, an MLA from Chiplun-Sangameshwar, has donated a cheque equivalent to his one month's basic salary to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. Additionally, MLA Rohit Pawar has advocated for direct financial assistance of at least Rs 50,000 per hectare for drought-affected farmers and Rs 25,000 for agricultural laborers.
Looking ahead, the government is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely and may introduce further measures to alleviate the hardships faced by farmers. The collective efforts of officials and elected representatives highlight a growing commitment to supporting the agricultural community during this challenging time.
