The state government has announced immediate relief measures for flood-affected families and farmers, including changes to the District Planning and Development Committee (DPDC) rules, relaxed e-KYC norms, and instructions to banks not to initiate loan recoveries.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that around 60 lakh hectares of farmland were damaged in recent floods. He added that a detailed report is being prepared, and once ready, a proposal for financial assistance will be sent to the Government of India (GoI). “The Union government has assured complete support. But a formal proposal is needed. Once the survey is completed, we will request financial assistance from the GoI,” Fadnavis said.
Heavy rains this year have wreaked havoc across Marathwada, Vidarbha, North Maharashtra, and Western Maharashtra, with Marathwada and Western Maharashtra suffering the most. Crops have been destroyed, homes and belongings damaged, and livestock lost. The state government has already begun providing immediate relief. “Later, the amount can be reimbursed by the GoI,” the CM added.
As part of relief efforts, DPDC norms have been tweaked. Normally, DPDC funds are not used for post-rain relief, but now 10 per cent of the funds can be directed toward helping those affected by drought, heavy rainfall, or other natural calamities, said Jaykumar Gore, state rural development and panchayati raj minister.
In addition, e-KYC norms for affected farmers have been relaxed, and banks have been instructed not to send loan recovery notices in flood-hit areas. Fadnavis clarified that although some old notices were issued in one district, all banks have now been told to halt recoveries.
Opposition leaders, however, have urged an immediate loan waiver for farmers. NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule criticised the government, saying many industrialists and businessmen have received waivers while farmers remain in crisis. “If the government fails to announce a loan waiver, it shows the Mahayuti government is insensitive to farmers,” she said.
Compensation package next week, disbursement before Diwali
Fadnavis said the government will announce a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation plan for flood-affected farmers and families by next week. “The compensation package will be decided next week, with financial aid aimed to reach citizens before Diwali,” he said, adding that benefits under the “wet drought” provision will also be extended. mid-day, in its Tuesday edition, had mentioned surveys likely to be completed by next week and the disbursement of financial aid before Diwali.
