Minister Girish Mahajan asks well-off farmers to return Rs 5,000 drought aid

Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan has appealed to financially strong farmers to voluntarily return the Rs 5,000 drought assistance they received from the government. He said the money could then be used to support farmers who truly need it.

Speaking to reporters in Jalgaon district on Saturday, Mahajan said, "Those who do not need this money should voluntarily return the Rs 5,000 and consider it their contribution to helping needy farmers. My appeal is to every person who is financially capable."

Mahajan, a BJP leader, said several farmers and party workers from his Assembly constituency of Jamner in Jalgaon district had come to see him on Saturday morning after receiving the aid. They expressed a wish to return the amount because they did not need the financial help. According to Mahajan, about 50 farmers came with this offer. He said these farmers are financially capable and have other sources of income.

Mahajan also appealed to others who are in a position to do so to come forward and help farmers struggling with crop losses. He said, "I will appeal to people to stand firmly with their annadata, the farmer, in such difficult times and to give financial help through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund." The minister also said he would personally approach people to contribute voluntarily to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

The government had announced an advance of Rs 5,000 for eligible farmers in drought-affected areas before Diwali. On October 27, the Maharashtra government led by Devendra Fadnavis approved a total of Rs 7,500 crore in assistance for farmers in 304 drought-hit talukas. Farmers whose crops suffered more than 33 per cent damage are eligible for the aid. The money is being sent directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

State Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makrand Jadhav Patil said on Friday that Rs 4,372.83 crore had been deposited in the bank accounts of 87,45,669 farmers by November 5. The transfer to the remaining eligible beneficiaries is continuing. Some payments had been held up by technical problems and errors in bank account details, which officials are working to resolve.

The relief scheme is part of the state government's effort to deal with crop losses suffered in the kharif season. Farmers in many parts of Maharashtra have been hit by the losses.