After the Maharashtra government declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 talukas, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) president Sharad Pawar has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking a 17-point relief package for drought-hit farmers, farm labourers and rural residents.
Pawar has demanded an immediate loan waiver for agricultural and allied-business loans taken from cooperative, nationalised and urban cooperative banks and credit societies. He has also sought the inclusion of loans taken after the deadline under the state’s existing loan-waiver scheme.
Among his other demands are exemption from land revenue and agricultural electricity bills, 25 kg of free foodgrains per family, direct financial assistance to drought-affected families, compensation of Rs 1 lakh per hectare for farmers and a Rs 25,000 grant for farm labourers.
Pawar has also called for immediate arrangements for drinking water for people and water for livestock in drought-hit areas. He suggested giving tehsildars the authority to approve water tankers for villages facing severe shortages.
He further demanded that hostel and mess fees for students from drought-affected areas be waived. He also called for the inclusion of talukas that were left out of the drought declaration.
Pawar has sought a special three-day session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly to discuss the drought situation and decide on further relief measures.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray questioned when financial assistance would actually reach farmers following the drought declaration.
During his visit to drought-hit areas of Marathwada on Sunday, Thackeray said the government had declared drought while his tour was underway, but questioned when the promised assistance would reach affected farmers.
Thackeray also alleged that a Rs 32,000 crore package announced by the state government last year following damage caused by excessive rainfall had still not reached farmers.