Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 28: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, putting forward 17 demands for immediate relief to drought-affected farmers, agricultural labourers and rural citizens, with Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Sunil Tatkare saying the demands should be considered by the state government.
Pawar has demanded a complete waiver of loans taken by farmers for agriculture and allied activities from cooperative banks, nationalised banks, urban cooperative banks and credit societies. He has also sought waiver of personal loans taken through the Social Justice, Minority and Tribal Welfare departments, loans for orchards and loans taken by women’s self-help groups from the date of loan waiver till now.
“Loans taken by farmers for agriculture and allied activities from cooperative banks, nationalised banks, cooperative urban banks and credit societies, as well as personal loans from Social Justice, Minority and Tribal Welfare departments, loans taken for orchards and loans taken by women’s self-help groups since the date of loan waiver till date should be completely waived,” Pawar said in his letter.
He also demanded a complete waiver of land revenue and agricultural electricity bills, along with 25 kg of free foodgrains per family and direct financial assistance for affected people.
“Complete land revenue should be waived. All electricity bills for farmers’ agricultural pumps should be waived. Twenty-five kg of foodgrains should be provided free of cost per family to farmer and agricultural labourer families dependent on agriculture,” the letter said.
Pawar sought financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh per hectare for farmers and Rs 25,000 for agricultural labourers affected by the drought.
“Considering the severity of the drought situation in Maharashtra, financial assistance of ?1,00,000 per hectare for farmers and ?25,000 for agricultural labourers should be transferred immediately to their bank accounts,” he said.
He further demanded that Tehsildars be empowered to approve water tankers for drinking water for people and livestock.
“The authority to approve water tankers for drinking water as well as drinking water for livestock should be given to Tehsildars, and immediate action should be taken in this regard,” Pawar said.
His demands also include relaxing the existing criteria under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) to facilitate employment and water conservation works, besides providing special funds for water conservation measures.
Pawar also sought a complete waiver of educational fees for school and college students in drought-affected areas, as well as hostel and mess fees for students staying in hostels.
“Under the Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), current criteria should be relaxed. Current criteria should be relaxed to start water conservation works. Educational fees of school and college students in drought-affected areas, as well as hostel and mess fees of students staying in hostels, should be completely waived,” he said.
The NCP (SP) chief also demanded compensation for farmers who have suffered losses due to damage to crops and fruit orchards.
He called for a special three-day session of the Maharashtra Legislature to discuss the drought situation and decide on necessary measures. Pawar also urged the government to ensure that assistance reaches farmers and agricultural labourers before Dussehra and Diwali.
Responding to Pawar’s demands, Sunil Tatkare said Pawar had extensive experience and knowledge of agricultural issues and may have raised the demands keeping farmers’ interests in mind.
“Sunetra Tai Pawar has instructed all 41 NCP MLAs to donate their one month’s salary towards drought relief. Sharad Pawar Saheb has been in politics for six decades and has vast experience. He is among the knowledgeable leaders who understand the situation at the taluka level across the state and have deep knowledge of agriculture,” Tatkare said.
“He must have put forward his demands keeping the interests of farmers in mind. He has a thorough understanding of agricultural issues,” he added.
Tatkare said ministers and the three leaders had been visiting farmers’ fields and assessing the drought situation since Wednesday.
“Since Wednesday, the ministers and all three leaders have been visiting farmers’ fields and assessing the situation. Drought has been declared,” he said.
He added that given the scale of the situation, the state government would seek assistance for farmers through the Centre.
“Since the scale of the situation is large, the state government will provide assistance to farmers through the central government. The Chief Minister will consider the demands raised by Pawar Saheb,” Tatkare said.