Maharashtra Farmers to Get ₹5,000 Diwali Relief: CM Devendra Fadnavis Says State Won’t Wait for Centre
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that farmers affected by drought will receive ₹5,000 each in their bank accounts before Diwali. The state government will provide the amount from its own funds as an advance against drought assistance expected from the Centre. Fadnavis said the central government's procedures would make it difficult to release the funds before the festival. The decision comes as 21 districts in Maharashtra have recorded rainfall deficits following the early withdrawal of the monsoon.
₹5,000 Relief for Drought-Hit Farmers Before Diwali
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that drought-affected farmers across the state would receive ₹5,000 each before Diwali.
The state government has decided to provide immediate financial assistance from its own funds rather than wait for the Centre's drought relief funds to arrive. The payment will be treated as an advance against the assistance expected from the central government.
Fadnavis made the announcement after a state cabinet meeting, emphasising that farmers should have some money available to meet their needs during the festive season.
Maharashtra Government Will Not Wait for Centre
Explaining the decision, Fadnavis said the procedures and timelines prescribed by the central government made it difficult to complete the process of releasing drought assistance before Diwali.
The Chief Minister said the state cabinet discussed the issue and decided to provide advance assistance to farmers facing financial difficulties.
He clarified that the central government's contribution would still be provided when it arrived, while the state would release ₹5,000 per farmer as immediate relief.
Fadnavis described the upcoming Diwali as a difficult period for farmers and said the decision would be implemented immediately.
Drought Declared Earlier Than Usual This Year
Fadnavis also highlighted a change in the state's approach to declaring drought. According to him, Maharashtra has traditionally declared drought in November, with financial assistance reaching farmers in December.
This year, however, the government declared drought in October itself to accelerate the relief process.
The Chief Minister said a supplementary Government Resolution (GR) had also been issued on Wednesday, alongside the implementation of 12 schemes aimed at addressing the situation.
21 Districts Record Rainfall Deficit
Maharashtra has faced challenging rainfall conditions this year, with the monsoon withdrawing earlier than expected. According to the report, 21 districts recorded a rainfall deficit.
The situation has raised concerns about agricultural production, water availability and farmers' financial stability. Marathwada has also turned to water tankers in response to growing water shortages.
The drought situation has prompted criticism from opposition parties over the state government's response and the pace of assistance reaching affected farmers.
Financial Assistance Aimed at Providing Immediate Relief
The ₹5,000 advance payment is intended to provide farmers with immediate financial support before Diwali while the process for central drought assistance continues.
By using state funds, the Maharashtra government aims to ensure that farmers do not have to wait for the Centre's formal procedures to be completed before receiving initial relief.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns over drought conditions across several parts of the state. The government has said the assistance will be released before the festival, although the report does not specify the exact payment date or the total number of eligible farmers.