Maharashtra adds 40 talukas to drought list, to pay farmers ₹5K each before Diwali

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra announced on Wednesday that drought-stricken farmers will receive Rs 5,000 per farmer before Diwali, bypassing the need to wait for central assistance. This move comes as the state government deemed it impossible to process central drought relief in time for the festive season. Fadnavis explained that the central government's rules, stages, and dates made it difficult to complete the assistance within such a short timeframe.

Despite this, he assured that the farmers would still receive the full support once it became available. The Chief Minister emphasized that the decision was made to provide immediate relief and an advance payment to help farmers during Diwali. He noted that this year, Maharashtra declared a drought in October instead of the usual November, breaking a 25-year pattern.

The state had previously declared drought and provided assistance in December, but this year, the drought Government Resolution (GR) was issued earlier in October. As a result, 12 schemes have been implemented, and the government has been facing criticism from the Opposition for its response to the drought situation.