Sena (UBT) calls Rs 5,000 advance aid for drought-hit Maharashtra farmers 'deceptive'

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has criticised the Rs 5,000 advance relief announced by the Maharashtra government. An editorial in Saamana, the party's mouthpiece, calls the aid a "deceptive and hollow" announcement.

According to the editorial, the government has not provided adequate help to around 1.5 crore farmers hit by drought across the state. It alleges that the relief is tied to a condition of 33 per cent crop loss, which could leave many distressed farmers without assistance.

The criticism follows the state government's announcement, ahead of Diwali, of advance relief for eligible farmers in drought-affected areas. The government has said the money is meant to give immediate financial support to farming families that suffered losses in the kharif season.

The editorial says the Rs 5,000 announcement has been undermined by its eligibility conditions. It says the aid is limited to areas where panchnamas (loss assessments) have been completed and crop loss exceeds 33 per cent. It claims that, despite the widespread drought, these conditions will leave a large number of farmers without help.

The editorial alleges that the ruling government makes announcements but does not ensure that the benefits reach everyone in financial distress. The party's position is that the relief should reflect the scale of farm losses and the difficulties facing rural areas.

The editorial also points out that deficient rain has hit the kharif season and weakened the prospects for rabi sowing. It says rural areas face a shortage of drinking water and fodder, and that financial stress has grown because of crop losses and rising debt.

The editorial asks whether the government's directions against private finance companies and moneylenders who harass farmers for loan recovery are being enforced effectively. It claims coercive recovery continues despite warnings of strict action.

The editorial also mentions reports of farmers' suicides in Nanded and Latur. Linking these incidents to debt distress, it asks how far the government's aid and action are reaching.

The Soil and Water Conservation Department is reported to have begun digging pits to recharge groundwater after the monsoon ended. The editorial describes these efforts as "post-mortem efforts". It asks how such measures, without fresh rain, would benefit villages facing water scarcity. It also alleges that these projects could benefit contractors and middlemen rather than give residents real relief.

The editorial says administrative delays and eligibility conditions are weakening the government's announcements and putting further obstacles before drought-hit farmers.

The editorial concludes that the gap between the government's announcements and their implementation is adding to the difficulties of rural areas. It compares bureaucratic hurdles and eligibility conditions to "El Nino", saying they do more damage than the drought itself.