Maharashtra has declared 305 of its 358 talukas drought-hit after adding 40 more talukas to the list. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced initial financial assistance of ₹5,000 for farmers, to be credited to their bank accounts before Diwali.
Speaking to reporters after the state cabinet meeting in Mumbai, Fadnavis said all 12 standard drought relief concessions would be extended to the affected talukas. These include crop loan restructuring, land revenue concessions, electricity bill subsidies, and examination fee exemptions for farmers’ children.
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Relief Measures for Farmers
Fadnavis said cooperative banks and credit societies had been warned against coercive loan recovery and harassment of farmers. Efforts are also underway to ensure that private banks and financial institutions follow the same approach.
Water Crisis and Fodder Availability
Highlighting the water crisis, the Chief Minister said groundwater levels in Marathwada had fallen below three metres. Water tankers would be deployed early, with their movement tracked through GPS.
The state has also disconnected nearly 16,000 illegal water connections to protect drinking water supplies.
On fodder availability, Fadnavis said reserves ranged from 90 days to seven months, depending on the region. The government has assured farmers that fodder harvested in suitable areas would be purchased at the Minimum Support Price.
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Examination Fee Waiver for Students
Meanwhile, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has directed colleges across Maharashtra not to charge examination fees from students belonging to drought-affected talukas.
The minister also ordered institutions to refund any examination fees already collected. Colleges that fail to comply will face strict action.
The directions were issued during an online meeting with vice-chancellors of state public universities in Mumbai to review examination-related issues and other academic matters.