Families and farmers hit by floods have a ray of hope as the Maharashtra government has promised to conduct a complete panchnama of damage by October 5 and deliver financial aid before Diwali.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has stated that the government expects to complete a survey of damaged areas and farmland by October 4 or 5.
Stating that the government’s priority was to pull farmers out of these losses, the minister said, “Without strengthening farmers, the state cannot progress. Every affected farmer will be provided with the best possible compensation.”
Answering queries from the media, Bawankule mentioned that instructions have been given to district collectors and divisional commissioners to ensure no farmer is denied crop insurance benefits.
The minister also suggested that while doing surveys, rules should not be applied technically, as in some cases, losses are natural (in instances where river embankments have completely eroded farmland). “All officers should visit the field, so that no affected farmer or families are left out from the panchnama,” the revenue minister instructed.
For now, as interim relief, families are being provided with Rs 10,000 in cash, along with 10 kg of rice and 10 kg of wheat, before a full-fledged compensation package is rolled out.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the crucial finance portfolio, exhibited confidence in delivering financial aid by Diwali.
The senior NCP leader, speaking to the media, stated that once the panchnama process is completed, a collective decision on compensation would be taken by the government.
Asked whether the government would be able to provide financial assistance by Diwali, Pawar said, “Our planning is such that by Diwali, affected farmers and families should receive financial assistance.”
After last week’s state cabinet meeting, some ministers in the Mahayuti government, which comprises the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, were seen visiting affected areas. Now, the cabinet will meet again on Tuesday (September 30). “Ministers who visited flood-hit areas will share their feedback in the cabinet meeting. All this will be taken into consideration, and accordingly, further action will be taken,” added Pawar.
War of words
A video is going viral on social media where Shinde Sena leader Jyoti Waghmare and Solapur district collector can be heard arguing. According to reports, Waghmare allegedly called the latter over a lack of relief work. The officer is heard telling the Sena leader that the government was doing everything possible to bring the situation under control and that her party, too, should contribute.
