Shinde opens Wadi sub-district hospital in Nanded, distributes fodder and aid to drought-hit farmers

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde inaugurated the sub-district hospital built at Wadi (Bu.) in Nanded district. Several relief measures for farmers battling drought were also launched at the same event.

Fodder was distributed for the cattle of drought-hit farmers. Water supply by tanker was also inaugurated. Cheques for the financial assistance the government gives to families of farmers who died by suicide were handed over as well.

Sewing machines were given to women and bicycles to girl students going to school and college. Both were handed over by Shinde himself.

From the stage, Shinde said clearly that farmers struggling with drought would not be left helpless. He said the assurance had been given on behalf of the Cabinet. The drought has created truly frightening conditions for farmers. Just before Diwali, the government gave immediate assistance of Rs 5,000, but it has been said that this aid is not the last.

The government would also know that Rs 5,000 is not a large sum. That is why it is appealing to farmers not to take any extreme step and not to lose heart. Shinde assured them that the government stood with farmers and that some way out would certainly be found.

Shinde also issued a warning on loan recovery. He said that in this difficult time, anyone who harasses farmers in the name of loan recovery would not be spared.

State Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar was present at the event. Former Chief Minister and MP Ashokrao Chavan also attended. Hemant Patil, MLA and chairman of the Turmeric Research Centre, and MLAs Amarnath Rajurkar, Balaji Kalyankar, Baburao Kadam-Kohalikar, Pratap Patil Chikhalikar, Anand Tidke-Bondharkar, Bhimrao Keram and Jitesh Antapurkar were also present.

Officials present included Mayor Kavita Mule, Special Deputy Inspector General of Police Shahaji Umap, District Collector Rahul Kardile and Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Mahesh Patil. Superintendent of Police Dr Nilabh Rohan, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Maheshkumar Doifode, and Sanjay Katkar, commissioner and director of the National Health Mission, were also there. A large number of citizens also came to the event.