Maharashtra drought: CM Fadnavis announces ₹7,500 crore relief package; how much will each farmer get?
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis announced ₹7,500 crore in advance drought relief for 1.5 crore farmers, with each eligible beneficiary set to receive ₹5,000. He has directed banks not to deduct any amount from the relief payments.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has unveiled a drought relief package worth ₹7,500 crore, with each of the approximately 1.5 crore affected farmers receiving ₹5,000. The advance relief fund was approved during a Cabinet meeting and directed officials to ensure farmers receive the full amount without any deductions from banks.
The announcement follows a surge in drought-like conditions across large regions of the state, causing concerns over crop losses, water scarcity, and financial hardship among farmers. Fadnavis defended the decision, stating that it provides immediate support to farmers, even if it doesn't fully compensate them for their losses. The new assistance surpasses previous aid, with the government providing ₹5,000 to each eligible farmer, compared to the earlier amount of ₹1,000 for small landowners.
The Chief Minister also criticized opposition leaders for criticizing the amount, drawing comparisons to the state's earlier Ladki Bahin scheme, which provided women with ₹1,500. Maharashtra has now declared 305 talukas as drought-affected out of the 358, with rainfall deficits ranging from 45% to 57%, according to official figures.
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