Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Maharashtra Orders Immediate Free Foodgrains for 265 Drought-Hit Talukas
Maharashtra has ordered free foodgrains for eligible people in 265 areas affected by drought.
The support is for the 2026 kharif season, after rainfall deficits during the June-to-September monsoon period.
People who need help but are not yet covered by the food security scheme may be considered for inclusion if they meet the rules.
Migrant families can collect their ration from a convenient fair-price shop.
The order says ration portability should help people who leave home to find work or water.
Officials have been told to make sure eligible people are not left without their food entitlement.
They must also plan supplies in advance and monitor distribution.
The government has warned officials to act against black-marketing and illegal hoarding.
Maharashtra ordered immediate, uninterrupted free foodgrain distribution to eligible people in 265 drought-hit talukas for the 2026 kharif season.
The areas were declared drought-hit under Trigger-1 after rainfall deficits and related adversities during the June-to-September monsoon period.
Eligible needy residents not already covered by the National Food Security Act may be included in Antyodaya or Priority Household categories, subject to income criteria.
Migrant beneficiaries and other eligible residents may collect their ration from a convenient fair price shop through the One Nation One Ration Card system.
Officials were told to plan distribution, monitor fair-price shops, curb leakages and take action against black-marketing and illegal hoarding.
- Who
- Eligible residents of the 265 affected talukas, including farmers, farm labourers, needy households and migrant beneficiaries.
- What
- The Maharashtra government directed immediate free foodgrain distribution and emphasized ration portability for eligible people.
- When
- For the 2026 kharif season, following rainfall deficits during June to September. The reports give different days for the directions: Wednesday for the department resolution and Saturday for the Chief Minister's directive.
- Where
- 265 drought-hit talukas in Maharashtra.
- Why
- To help eligible people in drought-affected areas access foodgrains and prevent food shortages.
- Affected areas
- 265 talukas declared drought-hit under Trigger-1
- Season
- 2026 kharif season
- Rainfall period
- June to September
- Food benefit
- Free foodgrains for eligible beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act
- Potential new beneficiaries
- Needy people outside the scheme may be included in Antyodaya or Priority Household categories, subject to income criteria
- Ration portability
- Eligible beneficiaries may collect foodgrains from a convenient fair price shop through One Nation One Ration Card
- Distribution oversight
- Officials were directed to plan supplies, monitor distribution and act against black-marketing and illegal hoarding
- Timing discrepancy
- One report says the department issued its resolution on Wednesday; another says Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis issued directions on Saturday
