States » WestPosted at: Sep 29 2026 4:28PM


CM Fadnavis announces Universal Drought Relief for overlooked talukas and direct police induction for Agniveers

Mumbai, Sep 29 (UNI) In a major dual-policy announcement aimed at quelling agrarian unrest and securing the future of military veterans, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday declared that all overlooked drought-hit talukas will be brought under state relief schemes, while the first batch of retiring 'Agniveers' will be directly inducted into the state security apparatus without written examinations.
The decisions, finalized during a crucial state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Fadnavis, address widespread public outcry over technical anomalies in crop damage assessments and provide a pioneering framework for defence youth returning under the central scheme.
Bypassing broad taluka-level statistical averages influenced by isolated rainfall, damage verification will now be conducted directly at the revenue-circle and farm levels.
Technical bottlenecks will be set aside to ensure all 12 primary drought benefits and concessions are extended to every farmer whose crops were scorched.
Retiring 'Agniveers' from the initial batch will be accommodated directly into the Maharashtra Police, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and fire services.
Having completed rigorous military training, eligible candidates will bypass fresh written tests, receive a four-year age relaxation, and be adjusted against specially created supernumerary posts if necessary.
"We will not allow technicalities to become an instrument of injustice against our farmers," CM Fadnavis stated during a press briefing, adding that administrative orders (GRs) for optimized water distribution and fodder management have also been fast-tracked.
UNI NEP RSA
Tags: #CM Fadnavis announces Universal Drought Relief for overlooked talukas and direct police induction for Agniveers
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