Maharashtra May Announce Rs 7,500 Crore Drought Relief for 1.5 Crore Farmers
Maharashtra may provide Rs 5,000 each to 1.50 crore drought-hit farmers under a reported Rs 7,500 crore relief package. With loan waivers also expected before Diwali, official confirmation and payment timelines remain awaited.
However, an official government resolution or confirmation from the government is yet to be verified regarding the decision.
According to sources, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to initiate the process of transferring the assistance amount to farmers' bank accounts within the current week. The proposed financial support is intended to provide relief to farmers facing economic difficulties due to drought conditions.
The assistance could help farmers meet agriculture-related expenses and daily needs. However, the exact date of the fund transfer, eligibility criteria for beneficiaries and the procedure for distributing the assistance are yet to be officially announced.
Meanwhile, considering the drought situation across the state, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly instructed all ministers to give special attention to water conservation measures.
The cabinet meeting discussed measures such as expanding small dams and lakes, removing accumulated silt and increasing water storage capacity. Special emphasis was placed on constructing small check dams through public participation, similar to the initiatives undertaken in Raigad, to retain water and improve its percolation.
Ministers have also been instructed to ensure proper water management in their respective districts.
The Chief Minister has further directed that criminal cases should be registered directly against finance companies if they harass indebted farmers for loan recovery, according to information provided by sources.
In another significant development, around 4 lakh 15 thousand farmers are likely to receive loan waivers before Diwali.
The loan waiver proposal has been submitted to the Finance Department by the Cooperation Department. So far, 15 lakh 85 thousand 493 farmers have received the benefits of loan waivers.
Farmers who have completed their e-KYC but have not yet received loan waiver benefits are expected to get relief before Diwali.
Meanwhile, sources have indicated that the e-KYC process is still pending for another 4 lakh 82 thousand farmers.
The proposed drought assistance, possible loan waivers and water conservation measures are expected to be significant developments for farmers facing financial challenges. However, the official confirmation of the relief package, its eligibility conditions and the timeline for disbursement remain crucial details awaiting clarification.

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