New Delhi, Oct 5: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and discussed the severe drought affecting large parts of the state, with the Centre assuring assistance to address the situation.
Shinde said Modi held a detailed discussion on the prevailing conditions and sought information about water availability, agricultural losses and fodder requirements. The meeting lasted around an hour, according to an aide of the Deputy Chief Minister.
The Maharashtra government had declared a drought in 265 of the state’s 358 talukas on September 26, covering nearly 74 per cent of the administrative units, following a significant rainfall deficit.
According to Shinde, he briefed the Prime Minister on the difficulties being faced by farmers and said the state government was working on the ground to respond to the crisis. Modi, he said, assured that the Centre would extend full cooperation to Maharashtra and stand firmly behind the farming community.
Shinde expressed confidence that the state would receive substantial financial and other assistance. He also said a Central team would soon visit villages affected by the drought to assess the situation.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the financial support currently available to farmers through both central and state schemes. Farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually under the Centre’s Shetkari Samman Yojana and another Rs 6,000 through Maharashtra’s Namo Shetkari Yojana, taking the combined annual assistance to Rs 12,000.
Recalling the support extended to the state following last year’s excessive rainfall, Shinde said the government would continue to provide assistance whenever farmers face hardship.
“The farming community has the first right over the government treasury,” he said.
Shinde said he conveyed to Modi that the drought was extensive and that the entire state Cabinet was actively monitoring the situation. He added that the government would work to ensure that farmers do not face a bleak Diwali because of the crisis.
The meeting took place amid differences between the BJP and Shiv Sena, allies in the ruling Mahayuti coalition, over the upcoming MLC election for the Pune Teachers Constituency. Both parties have announced candidates for the seat.
Shinde also criticised Opposition parties over their objections to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He questioned their criticism of the poll panel and said opposition parties should also consider whether they would demand re-elections in states where they had emerged victorious.
On the issue of a possible Cabinet reshuffle, Shinde said the decision rested with Prime Minister Modi and would be taken at an appropriate time.
During the meeting, Shinde also congratulated Modi on completing 25 years in public office as a head of government.