Rs 5,000 advance aid reaches 73 lakh drought-hit farmers before Diwali, says Fadnavis

Maharashtra is facing drought this year, and farmers have been hit hard. Crops have been damaged by the lack of rain, there is a shortage of water and money is tight. To make farmers' Diwali somewhat sweeter in these conditions, the Mahayuti government had announced advance financial aid of Rs 5,000. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has now shared important details on this aid.

Speaking to the media after a Cabinet meeting, Fadnavis said Rs 5,000 has so far been credited to the accounts of 73 lakh farmers in the state. According to him, the amount will reach the accounts of about 95 per cent of farmers in the next two days. He said the state government had announced Rs 5,000 in advance to farmers before Diwali, and the money is being sent accordingly.

On the remaining five per cent or so of farmers, the Chief Minister said there could be some problems in their cases. He said some beneficiaries could face delays in receiving the money, particularly because of technical hurdles linked to bank accounts.

Farmers in Marathwada, which has borne the brunt of the drought, are also getting the benefit of this advance aid. According to the information given by the Chief Minister, money has been credited to the accounts of 2.76 lakh farmers in Marathwada. He also said the government is trying to get water to farmers in Marathwada.

Fadnavis has also given instructions to ministers. The government's position is that farmers are in financial distress because of the drought, so ministers and public representatives must understand their problems. Accordingly, the Chief Minister has said all ministers should celebrate Diwali with farmers. This would allow direct interaction with farmers, with an emphasis on learning about their problems.

The Chief Minister also gave details on loan waiver. He said money for the loan waiver of 21 lakh farmers in the state has been paid. He also said the government is trying to give farmers financial support during the drought.

In the conversation after the Cabinet meeting, Fadnavis also spoke about the morchas (protest marches) being taken out in the state. He said "our morchas are against anarchy", and in this context criticised the political role of the Congress. Fadnavis also said, "We will foil the Congress's attempt at 'regime change'."

The Rs 5,000 advance aid before Diwali is considered important for farmers struggling with the drought. The government's aim is to get the money into the accounts of 95 per cent of farmers in the next two days.