Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announces that Rs 5,000 will be deposited into farmers’ bank accounts before Diwali as advance relief for drought-hit households. The move follows an expansion of drought declarations, with the number of drought-affected talukas rising to 305 out of 358, after adding 40 more talukas.
Outlets report that Fadnavis links the timing to delays in completing the Centre’s procedure for drought assistance before the festival. He says the state is expediting its own support this year and that the amount is intended to provide immediate cash for farmers during Diwali. Reports also mention that additional debt-related measures are being credited or processed, including loan restructuring/waivers and other steps tied to drought relief.
While most coverage focuses on the government’s relief plan and its expected reach of about 1 lakh to 1.25 lakh farmers, the Free Press Journal includes criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Kailas Patil. Patil argues the Rs 5,000 payment is too small and questions the “advance assistance” framing despite surveys and panchnamas, calling it inadequate for farmers facing higher costs and drought losses.
