Bawankule: Panchnamas to be fast-tracked so farmers get some aid before Diwali

Revenue Minister and chairman of the Cabinet's drought mitigation subcommittee Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the government is trying to complete the panchnamas as quickly as possible. According to him, the government's thinking is that some financial assistance should reach farmers before Diwali. The Cabinet subcommittee on drought mitigation has also recommended this.

Bawankule said that although the state faces drought conditions, around 15 to 18 talukas have not been included under Trigger 1. These talukas will be brought within the drought-affected area on the basis of accurate panchnamas and anewari, and farmers will be given justice, he said.

He also said the Chief Minister has given the 11-member subcommittee full powers. It has been decided that the committee must submit its final report by October 25. In drought conditions, the government will arrange tankers, water supply and fodder camps. Every district collector has also been directed to speak to the large industrial areas in the district and seek help through CSR.

On the Bela-Umred area of Nagpur district, Bawankule said the Cabinet has decided to give government land to needy and poor people who have no homes. Gadkari had also proposed developing a "smart village" at Bela. The Cabinet has decided to give government land at Bela free of cost. This will benefit members of the Pardhi and nomadic communities as well as other deprived poor citizens.

Targeting the Congress, Bawankule said parties should win votes by working for the people and build their influence in society. He alleged that the Congress has abandoned this path and is currently running on negativity. He claimed the Congress believes elections can be won by spreading negativity. He said the country and its people are not like that, and that the people stand with development, not negativity.

Bawankule said a morcha may go on for one day and an agitation for two, but the people want real work. On the Maha Vikas Aghadi's demand for elections on ballot paper, he said that whenever the Maha Vikas Aghadi loses, it remembers the ballot paper.

Rohit Pawar had warned that "no minister will be allowed to celebrate Diwali". Responding, Bawankule said that if they come to his house, he will not celebrate Diwali, but they are invited. Rohit Pawar should come to Nagpur, he said. He added that, in view of the drought, instructions have been given to hold weddings simply, and legislators have cancelled their birthday events. His appeal to Rohit Pawar is that it is essential to stand with farmers.