Govt trying to get drought aid to farmers before Diwali, says Bawankule

Nagpur: There is a drought situation in the state and the government is trying to ensure that farmers receive financial assistance before Diwali, Revenue Minister and chairman of the Cabinet sub-committee on drought relief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said. He said the government would not let farmers' Diwali be a dark one. He also said the government's emphasis was on completing the damage assessments (panchnamas) quickly.

Bawankule said an effort would be made to bring about 15 to 18 tehsils in the state that were not included in Trigger-1 within the ambit of drought, on the basis of accurate panchnamas and anewari (crop yield estimates). The government's position is to give relief to the farmers concerned. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given the 11-member sub-committee the necessary powers. The plan is to submit the final report by October 25, Bawankule said.

If water scarcity arises in drought-hit areas, tankers, fodder camps and other necessary measures will be provided. District collectors have been instructed to talk to large industrial establishments and secure help through CSR.

Smart village concept at Bela: Bawankule said the Cabinet has decided to make government land available to poor and needy people without homes in the Bela-Umred area of Nagpur district. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had proposed the concept of building a "smart village" at Bela. Accordingly, government land will be given free of cost, and the Pardhi and nomadic and denotified communities will also benefit.

Criticism of Congress: Bawankule alleged that, instead of building a public base through development work for the people, the Congress was focusing on negative politics. He said people want development and actual work, not the politics of agitation. He also criticised the Maha Vikas Aghadi's demand for elections to be held on ballot papers.

Rohit Pawar had said that ministers would not be allowed to celebrate Diwali. Responding to this, Bawankule said, "Rohit Pawar should come to my house. I will not be celebrating Diwali, and he is welcome."

Bawankule said that, given the drought, an appeal has been made to hold weddings simply, while MLAs have cancelled birthday events. "Standing behind farmers is more important than politics," he said, appealing to Rohit Pawar.