Sharad Pawar Submits 17-Point Relief Plan to Maharashtra CM
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has submitted a 17-point demand list to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis to provide urgent relief to drought-hit farmers.
In a significant move to address the escalating crisis in rural Maharashtra, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has submitted a comprehensive 17-point demand list to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The proposal outlines urgent measures required to provide immediate relief to farmers, agricultural labourers, and rural citizens currently struggling under severe drought conditions.
Comprehensive Loan Waiver Demands
A central pillar of Pawar's letter is the call for an extensive debt relief package. He has urged the state government to ensure a total waiver of loans taken for agriculture and agribusiness. This demand extends across various financial institutions, including:
- Nationalised banks
- Cooperative banks
- Urban cooperative banks
- Credit societies
Furthermore, Pawar emphasized that personal loans taken from the Social Justice, Minority, and Tribal Welfare departments must be cleared. He also specifically highlighted the need to waive loans taken for orchards and those held by women's self-help groups (SHGs), covering all outstanding amounts from the previous loan waiver period to the present day.
Direct Financial Aid and Essential Supplies
To combat the immediate hardships faced by rural families, the NCP (SP) leader has proposed several direct assistance measures:
- Crop Compensation: A grant of ₹1,00,000 per hectare for farmers and ₹25,000 for agricultural labourers to be transferred directly to bank accounts.
- Food Security: Provision of 25 kg of free food grains per family for those dependent on agriculture.
- Utility Relief: A complete waiver of land revenue and all electricity bills related to agricultural pumps.
Water Management and Employment
Recognizing the scarcity of water for both humans and animals, Pawar suggested a decentralization of authority. He demanded that Tehsildars be empowered to approve the deployment of water tankers to ensure the immediate availability of drinking water for citizens and livestock.
Regarding livelihoods, the letter suggests:
- Relaxing the current criteria under the Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) to kickstart water conservation projects.
- Allocating special funds specifically for water conservation measures.
- Providing compensation for losses incurred due to damaged crops and fruit orchards.
Relief for Students and Legislative Action
The 17-point plan also looks toward the future of rural youth. Pawar has called for the complete waiver of school and college educational fees, as well as hostel and mess charges for students living in drought-affected regions.
In a final push for political accountability, the NCP (SP) chief has requested the government to convene a special three-day session of the Maharashtra Legislature. This session would allow for a detailed discussion on the drought situation and the formulation of necessary long-term measures. Pawar urged the administration to act swiftly, ensuring that assistance reaches the affected populations before the upcoming Dussehra and Diwali festivals.