Latur, Nov 7 (PTI) NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Saturday claimed the Rs 30,000 crore assistance sought by the Maharashtra government from the Centre amid drought in the state was inadequate, as it translated into relief of just Rs 8,000 to Rs 8,500 per hectare for farmers.
Speaking to reporters during his visit of Shivani Lakh village in Ausa tehsil to review drought-affected areas of Latur district, Pawar also claimed the existing relief announced by the Devendra Fadnavis government was grossly inadequate given the severity of the agrarian crisis.
“The state government has sought Rs 30,000 crore in assistance from the Centre under National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). However, the proposed assistance seems to translate to just Rs 8,000 to Rs 8,500 per hectare for farmers,” the Karjat-Jamkhed MLA said.
“Why can’t the Maharashtra government provide Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 per hectare from its own resources. Farmers need assistance, but what about agricultural labourers? They too are facing severe financial distress,” Pawar added.
Questioning the delay in disbursal of the Rs 5,000 immediate assistance announced for farmers ahead of Diwali by the state government, Pawar claimed only around 40 per cent farmers have received the amount so far.
Pawar demanded compensation of Rs 1 lakh per hectare for affected farmers and financial assistance of Rs 25,000 for agricultural labourers, warning that a major protest would be organised during the Winter session of the legislature if the government failed to respond to the demands.
He also expressed serious concern over alleged harassment of borrowers by microfinance recovery agents, claiming agents in several areas were using violence, threats and intimidation to recover loans.
Such coercive practices were pushing distressed families towards extreme steps, including suicide, he said and questioned what action the government was taking on the matter.
Farmers have been complaining of lack of drinking water and fodder for cattle, but the government does not appear concerned about their plight and is busy only with politics, he alleged.
Several families have been forced to migrate to Pune and other cities in search of livelihoods, with many livestock owners selling cattle worth around Rs 80,000 for just Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, Pawar added.
He brushed aside a media query on water allegedly being diverted by his Baramati Agro for industrial use, saying he preferred to respond to people with an adequate understanding of the subject. PTI COR BNM
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