2 hrs ago
Maharashtra Cancels Official Leave as Drought Hits 265 Talukas
Maharashtra is facing very dry conditions because it has received less rain than needed.
The government declared drought in 265 of the state’s 358 talukas.
Many government workers from 11 departments were told to return from leave.
They must visit farms and measure how much crops have been damaged.
Soybean was reported as one of the worst-affected crops.
The government may provide help through crop-loan changes, lower land-revenue payments, and power-bill subsidies.
It will also compare help available under crop insurance and disaster-fund rules.
Officials said they must finish assessing the damage before deciding the final amount of assistance.
Congress workers asked the government to provide help immediately.
Maharashtra declared drought in 265 of its 358 talukas amid a rainfall deficit.
The government cancelled leave for employees from 11 departments handling drought management.
Officials were directed to conduct field visits and assess crop damage, including soybean losses.
Relief may include crop-loan restructuring, land-revenue concessions, and power-bill subsidies.
Congress workers stopped Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule’s convoy and sought immediate farmer relief.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, affected farmers, and Congress workers.
- What
- The state declared drought in 265 talukas, cancelled leave for drought-management employees, and ordered crop-damage assessments.
- Where
- The affected areas are in Maharashtra, including Arati village in Hingoli district.
- When
- The report is dated September 28; it describes the drought declaration as occurring on Saturday and Bawankule’s field visit and statement as occurring on Monday.
- Why
- The measures were announced because of rainfall deficits and widespread drought-like conditions, with crop damage requiring assessment.
Immediate Relief Advocates
Assessment-First Government
Timing of farmer assistance
Immediate Relief Advocates
Congress workers demanded immediate relief for farmers during their protest against the minister’s convoy.
Assessment-First Government
The government said financial assistance should be decided only after crop-loss assessments are completed so that affected farmers are not left out.
Basis for compensation
Immediate Relief Advocates
Farmers’ representatives sought action in response to the reported widespread crop damage and drought-like conditions.
Assessment-First Government
The government said it would examine benefits available under crop insurance and National Disaster Response Fund norms and consider the higher eligible benefit, subject to applicable provisions.
Key facts
- Affected talukas
- 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas
- Government departments involved
- 11 departments
- Reported coverage of drought-like conditions
- Nearly 75% of Maharashtra
- Worst-affected crop mentioned
- Soybean
- Potential relief measures
- Crop-loan restructuring, land-revenue concessions, and power-bill subsidies
- Assessment standards
- Crop-insurance provisions and National Disaster Response Fund norms
- Final assistance decision
- To be made after assessment reports are consolidated
Quotes
Chandrashekhar Bawankule
Maharashtra revenue minister overseeing the drought assessment tour
“The government will examine assistance available under crop insurance and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms and consider the higher eligible benefit, subject to applicable provisions.”
theprint.in
“CM Devendra Fadnavis has constituted a cabinet sub-committee to assess the situation, following which its members are visiting affected areas to evaluate crop losses.”
theprint.in
Sources
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