Maharashtra Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan has appealed to financially secure farmers to voluntarily return the Rs 5,000 drought assistance they received from the state government, so the money can be used to support farmers in need.
The government recently announced an advance payment of Rs 5,000 for eligible farmers in drought-affected areas ahead of Diwali. As of November 5, more than Rs 4,372 crore had been transferred to over 87 lakh farmers under the relief programme.
Mahajan appeals to financially secure farmers
“Those who do not need the money should voluntarily return the Rs 5,000, considering it as a contribution towards helping farmers who are in need. My appeal is to everyone who is financially capable,” Mahajan told reporters in Jalgaon district on Saturday.
The BJP leader said several farmers and party workers from his constituency, Jamner in Jalgaon district, had approached him on Saturday morning after receiving the assistance. They expressed their willingness to return the amount because they did not require the financial support.
Nearly 50 farmers had approached him with the proposal, Mahajan said, adding that they were financially secure and had other sources of income.
Minister plans to approach more people
Mahajan appealed to people who were in a position to contribute to support farmers affected by crop losses.
“I will appeal to people to stand firmly behind our food provider, the farmer, during such difficult times and extend financial assistance through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund,” he said.
The minister added that he would personally approach people to encourage voluntary contributions to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Government approves Rs 7,500 crore drought assistance
On October 27, the Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government approved a total assistance package of Rs 7,500 crore for farmers in 304 drought-hit talukas.
Farmers whose crops suffered damage of more than 33 per cent are eligible for the assistance. The government is transferring the funds directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
Over 87 lakh farmers receive Rs 4,372 crore
As of November 5, the state government had transferred Rs 4,372.83 crore to the bank accounts of 87,45,669 farmers, state Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil said on Friday.
The process of transferring assistance to the remaining eligible beneficiaries was underway. Authorities were working to resolve technical issues and discrepancies in bank account details that had delayed some payments.
The relief programme is part of the state’s response to crop losses during the Kharif season, which affected farmers across several parts of Maharashtra.
Mahajan’s appeal comes as the government continues distributing assistance to eligible beneficiaries, with the minister urging those who do not need the money to contribute towards supporting farmers facing financial difficulties.
(With inputs from PTI)
