Maharashtra to seek Rs 40,000 crore drought package from Centre, proposal to go on October 31

The Maharashtra government has decided to seek a Rs 40,000 crore package from the Centre for farmers hit by drought. Sources said the state government will send the full proposal to the Centre on October 31.

The government has already declared drought in 305 tehsils of the state. It has also decided to give every farmer an advance of Rs 5,000. The government did not wait for central assistance, and the amount will be paid to farmers this week. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis gave officials orders to this effect at today's Cabinet meeting. The government says it has taken several measures to tackle the drought, and that the "Devabhau government" took one more major decision today.

Given the drought conditions, Fadnavis had himself gone to the edge of farmers' fields to take stock of the situation. He had heard farmers' difficulties and taken their memoranda. Farmers were assured that they would not be left to fend for themselves. Several ministers and MLAs of the government had also visited fields to inspect the situation. The Chief Minister had then announced that every farmer would be given an advance of Rs 5,000. This aid will now be credited to farmers' accounts this week.

The Chief Minister had announced the aid before the panchnamas (damage assessments) were completed, and before any central assistance had come. In the meantime, a central team had visited the state and seen the drought conditions. Officials had also visited fields and carried out panchnamas. The proposal has now been prepared after all this, and will be sent to the Centre on October 31. All eyes are now on how much financial assistance Maharashtra receives from the Centre.