By Fadnavis has also instructed officials to ensure that banks do not deduct any amount from the relief payments, so beneficiaries receive the full ₹5,000. According to sources, the decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting. The advance assistance will be provided in addition to other benefits available to farmers following the declaration of drought.
Farmers to Receive ₹5,000 as Immediate Assistance
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the government would provide the immediate cash assistance while continuing other forms of drought relief available under existing provisions.
These measures include fee waivers, arrangements for water supply, restructuring of agricultural loans and relief related to loan recovery. Shinde said the ₹7,500 crore allocation had been made to ensure the money could be transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts ahead of the festival.
“The government will not let farmers’ Diwali turn dark,” Shinde said, underlining the administration’s intention to deliver the assistance before the celebrations.
Fadnavis Calls It Advance Support for Farmers
Speaking to reporters in Wardha on Sunday, Fadnavis described the payment as an advance measure intended to provide farmers with timely financial support rather than making them wait for the full compensation process.
He said farmers with small landholdings had previously received amounts as low as ₹1,000 in similar circumstances, while the current plan would provide eligible farmers with at least ₹5,000 upfront. Additional compensation would be paid later, according to his remarks.
Fadnavis acknowledged that ₹5,000 would not cover the full losses suffered by farmers but said the money could offer some immediate relief.
He also compared Maharashtra’s initiative with drought assistance in Karnataka, claiming that Karnataka had provided ₹2,500 to farmers despite facing severe drought conditions.
Wider Drought Relief Measures to Continue
The advance payment is intended to provide immediate assistance as concerns persist over drought-like conditions in parts of Maharashtra and their impact on agricultural livelihoods.
The state government has said the ₹5,000 payment will not replace the wider package of drought-related benefits. Eligible farmers are also expected to receive support through existing measures, including loan restructuring and other forms of relief.
With the transfer planned before Diwali, the immediate priority is to ensure that the money reaches farmers’ accounts on time and that the full amount is available to beneficiaries.
