Latur, Oct 21 (PTI) NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday demanded a financial relief package of Rs 85,000 crore for distressed farmers, agricultural labourers and women in Maharashtra amid drought.
He appealed to the government to prioritise rural livelihoods over large infrastructure projects and unnecessary expenditure.
Pawar called for immediate intervention by the Reserve Bank to address the mounting burden of microfinance loans on women, alleging that coercive recovery practices had pushed some borrowers to the brink of suicide.
“The government should provide a financial relief package of Rs 85,000 crore for distressed farmers, agricultural labourers and women. The government must prioritise rural livelihoods over large infrastructure projects and unnecessary expenditure,” he told reporters.
Reacting to a demand that legislators and MPs contribute a year’s salary towards relief for farmers, Pawar said such a contribution would not be sufficient to address the scale of the crisis.
Pawar sought a review of expenditure on major projects, particularly the Shaktipeeth Expressway and works associated with the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik.
While supporting necessary infrastructure for pilgrims and measures to prevent corruption, he questioned the need for expenditure on “unnecessary” works.
He suggested that funds earmarked for such projects and additional spending in Nashik should be reassessed and redirected towards people struggling to make ends meet.
Pawar also launched a sharp attack on the state government over law and order, alleging that the situation in Maharashtra had deteriorated to an alarming level.
He claimed that crimes against women had increased and expressed concern over incidents of shootings targeting actors and political leaders.
Pawar reiterated the demand to entrust the Home portfolio to any legislator aligned with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure better attention to law and order and public safety.
The MLA slammed the government for declaring a “meagre” interim relief of Rs 5,000 for drought-hit farmers.
“Farmers are sending Rs 5,000 back to the government. What can a farmer achieve with that amount? It is not enough to celebrate Diwali,” he said.
He also criticised the government over fodder shortages and advocated direct cash transfers for livestock care, improved drinking water supplies and prioritising rural livelihoods over unnecessary expenditure and elections. PTI COR NSK
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