States » WestPosted at: Oct 20 2026 5:41PM


Maha: Deputy CM Shinde announces relief package for drought-hit farmers ahead of Diwali

Mumbai, Oct 20 (UNI) In a major Dussehra announcement aimed at mitigating agricultural distress across the state, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today unveiled a comprehensive relief package for drought-affected farmers, declaring that the state government and Shiv Sena will not let farming families suffer a "dark Diwali."
Flagging off hundreds of relief trucks laden with essential Diwali food supplies and ration kits from Mumbai, Shinde announced an immediate direct cash transfer of Rs ₹5,000 to the bank accounts of affected farmers, along with state-backed support for higher education fee concessions and the full coverage of wedding expenses for farmers' daughters.
Addressing a news conference here on the occasion of Dasara festival, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that both the state and central governments stand firmly behind the agrarian community during this severe natural crisis.
Maharashtra’s farmers are facing an extraordinary situation. While severe unseasonal rains caused widespread destruction last year, a dry drought has struck the agricultural belt this season, he said. "Our administration personally visited the fields, felt the pulse of the farmers' pain, and officially declared a drought. We will not hold back a single rupee when it comes to supporting our farmers."
Highlighting central assistance, Shinde stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union Home Minister Amit Shah have personally assured the state of complete financial and logistical backing from the Centre to tackle the crisis.
Detailing the Shiv Sena party's direct intervention alongside government aid, Shinde outlined key relief measures.Hundreds of relief trucks carrying essential household items were dispatched today to drought-hit regions. Additional convoys will be flagged off from the annual Dasara rally grounds, with local party workers (Shiv Sainiks) executing door-to-door delivery.
Party cadre have been instructed to stay stationed in affected villages to assist farmers in completing official government property and crop loss assessment (panchnama) reports without delay. The government has issued directives to grant concessions on school and college fees for children belonging to affected agricultural families.
Addressing concerns regarding social obligations during economic distress, Shinde assured that local party units will assume complete financial and organizational responsibility for the weddings of farmers' daughters.
The Deputy Chief Minister appealed to all social and corporate organizations across Maharashtra to step forward, stating that a crisis of this magnitude requires a united response beyond official government measures.
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