Maharashtra Ministers to Celebrate Diwali with Farmers Amid Drought
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announces plans for ministers to spend Diwali with farmers affected by severe drought conditions.
85% of Maharashtra's talukas are experiencing drought conditions.
Rs 5,000 interim relief has been transferred to 73 lakh farmers.
Farmers' groups criticize the government's relief efforts as inadequate.
In a significant move, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the ministers of Maharashtra will attempt to celebrate Diwali with farmers facing distress due to severe drought conditions. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting, where Fadnavis emphasized the importance of connecting with the farming community during this challenging time.
The drought has severely impacted the state, with over 85% of its talukas affected. In response, the government has initiated the transfer of Rs 5,000 as interim relief to approximately 73 lakh farmers. Fadnavis stated that within two days, this amount would reach 95% of the farmers, while acknowledging that about 5% are facing delays due to banking issues.
Additionally, the government has implemented the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar loan waiver scheme, benefiting 4.8 lakh farmers, with 2.7 lakh located in the Marathwada region. Fadnavis highlighted that a total of Rs 19,000 crore has been allocated for loan waivers, impacting around 21 lakh farmers across the state.
Despite these measures, farmers' organizations have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's relief efforts. Ajit Navale from the Kisan Sabha criticized the interim relief amount, stating that it is insufficient given the scale of the crisis. He pointed out that several installments of the Namo Shetkari Yojana have not been disbursed, and urged the government to resume payments to underprivileged women under the Ladki Bahin scheme.
Looking ahead, Fadnavis assured that the government is working to address the water scarcity in Marathwada, with plans to provide 7 tmc of water to the affected districts of Beed and Dharashiv. The upcoming Diwali celebrations with farmers are expected to highlight the government's commitment to supporting the agricultural community, although the effectiveness of these measures remains a point of contention among farmers.
