Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, addressing a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday, said the relief package would be disbursed before the Diwali festival. Explaining the package, Fadnavis said that the Centre had advised the state to ensure farmers are able to "once again stand on their feet"
CM Devendra Fadnavis (centre) addresses a press conference along with deputy CMs Eknath Shinde (left) and Ajit Pawar in Mumbai. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI
The Maharashtra government has announced a relief package of Rs 31,628 crore for farmers and families affected by heavy rainfall across the state. Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis, addressing a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday, said the relief package would be disbursed before the Diwali festival.
Explaining the package, Fadnavis said that the Centre had advised the state to ensure farmers are able to "once again stand on their feet".
“The proposal to the Union Government of India is yet to be sent. But we are not waiting for the Centre’s package. The state is going ahead with the relief and rehabilitation package. The amount disbursed by the state government will be reimbursed by the Centre,” CM Fadnavis said.
This year's heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage across in Marathwada, Vidarbha, North Maharashtra, and Western Maharashtra, with Marathwada and Western Maharashtra being the worst affected.
Fadnavis further said the relief proposal has not yet been submitted to the Centre, as it cannot be modified once forwarded.
“We want to send detailed and accurate proposals, hence its taking time. But that is not affecting the relief and rehabilitation work,” he added.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde assured that the government would ensure every affected farmer and family receives financial aid.
“The government will stand firmly behind every affected person,” Shinde said.
Standing crops have been washed away, houses and belongings of farmers have been destroyed, and livestock lost in the floods.
Fadnavis also noted that the relief package announced by Maharashtra is higher than that of other states such as Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
“We do not want to compare it with any other states. The announced relief package is the highest in the history of the state," he stated.
The government will support rebuilding damaged homes under the Prime Minister Aawas Yojana.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the government over the relief package.
“Last time during the relief package, farmers were compensated for losses up to three hectares. Now the aid has been restricted to two hectares,” the former leader of the opposition said.
He further claimed that the package would not help farmers get back on his feet, but instead push them into a loan and debt trap.
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