Drought: Shinde spends Diwali with Jalna farmer's family, says govt will not abandon farmers

Jalna, Nov 10: Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said at Bhilpuri in Jalna taluka that the state is facing a drought crisis, but farmers should not lose heart. He assured them that the state government stands firmly with farmers and that all necessary help will be provided in phases. According to Shinde, farmers will not be left helpless under any circumstances.

Shinde visited the home of drought-hit farmer Ambadas Tangde in Bhilpuri and celebrated Diwali with the family. He asked about the farming situation, financial difficulties and the help available from the government. On the occasion, he ate a rustic meal of besan, bajra roti, village-style crushed chilli and chutney with the family.

Shinde said he too comes from a farming family, so visiting Tangde's home felt like coming to his own. He said a major crisis has hit farmers and everyone in society should come forward to help.

Shinde said the government has decided to give an advance aid of Rs 5,000 to drought-hit farmers for immediate relief, and the amount has already been credited to the accounts of many farmers. He also said that a 12-point set of concessions is being implemented after the declaration of drought. Farmers will get measures such as compensation for losses, restructuring of crop loans, a halt on coercive recovery, waiver of educational fees and arrangements for drinking water.

Ambadas Tangde has only one acre of farmland. The family of his wife Mandabai, two daughters, a son and his mother depends on this land for its livelihood. After learning of their circumstances, Shinde spoke to Tangde's daughter. He learnt that she wants to become a police officer, and announced that he would take full responsibility for her, from her education to her marriage.

Shinde also spoke of a decision to collect details of farm families in drought-affected areas where daughters' marriages have been fixed, and to organise a mass wedding ceremony. He said sewing machines are being given to women for self-employment, bicycles to schoolgirls and Diwali rations to needy families.

Shinde said the government is planning to ensure that drinking water, water for livestock, fodder and foodgrain keep reaching drought-affected areas until the coming rains. He said the Centre too will stand with Maharashtra's drought-hit farmers. According to Shinde, the farmer is the first claimant on the state treasury and the government will leave no shortfall in helping him. He appealed to farmers not to lose patience in the crisis and not to take any extreme step.

On Bhaubeej, Mandabai Tangde performed aarti for Shinde. Shinde then presented clothes to all members of the Tangde family. Mandabai gave him ten kg of jowar, ten kg of bajra and a picture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Ambadas Tangde said it was a matter of satisfaction that a person holding a top position in government came to his home to ask after his joys and sorrows.

Shinde then spoke to farmers, farm labourers and women at the Mahadev temple premises in Maujpuri village. He heard about their difficulties and honoured the women by giving them Diwali sweets and rations.

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Social Justice Minister Sanjay Shirsat, MP Sandipan Bhumre, MLAs Arjun Khotkar and Hikmat Udhan, along with dignitaries from various fields, farmers, women and villagers, were present in large numbers.