Maharashtra Farmers to Get ₹5,000 Diwali Assistance Before Festival, Announces Devendra Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that farmers affected by drought will receive financial assistance of ₹5,000 before Diwali. According to a PTI report, the state government plans to transfer the amount directly to eligible farmers’ bank accounts to provide relief ahead of the festival.
In a statement issued on October 14, Fadnavis said more than 85% of Maharashtra’s talukas had been affected by drought. The government has added another 40 regions to the affected list, bringing the total to 305 out of the state’s 358 sub-divisions.
₹5,000 Diwali Assistance for Drought-Hit FarmersThe state government has decided to provide ₹5,000 to farmers ahead of Diwali to help them manage their expenses during a difficult period. The amount is expected to be transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system to eligible farmers’ bank accounts.
Fadnavis said the government had taken the decision in view of the severe conditions faced by farmers. He also stated that loan waiver payments were being credited to beneficiaries’ accounts.
According to the chief minister, drought is generally declared by the end of November, with assistance usually provided in December. However, considering the seriousness of the current situation, the government issued a notification in October to speed up relief measures.
Education Fee Relief and Protection Against Loan RecoveryThe Maharashtra government has also removed conditions under a 1992 resolution that had restricted education fee waivers for the children of farmers. The exemption will now apply universally across the affected areas, according to the report.
In addition, District Central Co-operative (DCC) banks and credit societies have been warned against using coercive methods to recover loans, harassing farmers or putting them under excessive pressure. Fadnavis said efforts were also underway to extend similar measures to private banks and financial institutions.
The government has further stated that farmers must not face coercive recovery action or undue pressure over outstanding electricity bills. Under the state’s policy, agricultural pumps with a capacity of up to 7.5 horsepower will receive free electricity.
Who Will Receive the Financial Assistance?The financial assistance will be transferred based on an authenticated list of eligible farmers. According to the report, the list has been updated to include an additional 3.5 lakh farmers and processed for scheduled debt relief payments.
The government’s announcement comes as drought conditions continue to affect a large part of Maharashtra. The advance payment is intended to provide immediate financial support before Diwali, while other relief measures, including loan waivers, are also being implemented.
Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar Highlights Drought SituationEarlier, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said the state was facing a serious drought and water crisis. She stated that the government was preparing measures to address the situation and would extend assistance based on recommendations from a Central government team assessing drought-affected areas.
The state’s relief measures are aimed at supporting farmers dealing with difficult agricultural conditions and financial pressures ahead of the festival season.
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