Thane District Central Cooperative Bank gives Rs 34.23 lakh to CM relief fund for drought victims

The drought situation in Maharashtra remains worrying. Against this backdrop, the Thane District Central Cooperative (TDCC) Bank has come forward to help those affected by the drought, contributing more than Rs 34 lakh to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

The amount was raised through collective contributions from within the bank. In its official statement, the bank said all its officers and employees voluntarily gave one day's salary, while members of the board of directors gave one day's honorarium for drought relief.

The statement also said: "A cheque for Rs 34,23,730 was formally handed over to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on Monday."

Bank chairman Arun Kathore-Patil, underlining the bank's commitment to humanitarian work, said the cooperative sector stands firmly with the people in times of crisis.

Praising the shared compassion of the bank's staff, Patil said, "True prosperity comes from cooperation, and humanity thrives on social commitment."

A total of 304 talukas in Maharashtra are reeling under drought because of a weak monsoon.

Earlier, on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Chief Minister Fadnavis. Fadnavis had celebrated Diwali with drought-hit farmers in Nagpur district, and Modi described his initiative to spend time with the affected families as "very touching".

Modi said the Chief Minister's initiative reflected the compassion with which the NDA government in Maharashtra is working to help farmers and safeguard their welfare.

Replying to a social media post by Fadnavis about his Diwali visit, Modi said, "Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis ji celebrating Diwali with farmers of Lohari Savanga village (Narkhed, Nagpur) and staying at the home of Arunabai and Rambhau Balpande is very touching."

Fadnavis said that his conversations with drought-affected farmers gave him a chance to understand their hardships, their concerns and their worries about the future of their families. He said the warm welcome from the Balpande family touched him, and that their affection and hospitality made the visit memorable.