Has Gujarat government announced a Rs 10,000-crore relief package for farmers affected by unseasonal rains?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Gujarat's unprecedented Rs 10,000 crore relief package for farmers affected by unseasonal rains.
- Compensation of Rs 22,000 per hectare offered to farmers.
- First-time uniform compensation for both irrigated and non-irrigated crops.
- Over 5,100 survey teams dispatched to assess damage.
- Chief Minister Patel's commitment to farmers’ recovery emphasized.
Gandhinagar, Nov 7 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, unveiled a groundbreaking relief initiative on Friday, delivering an unprecedented assistance package totaling Rs 10,000 crore, according to government officials.
This initiative exemplifies the state government's unwavering dedication to supporting its farmers during times of natural disasters, ensuring their recovery.
For the first time in Gujarat's history, the Chief Minister's decision guarantees consistent compensation for both irrigated and non-irrigated crops.
The relief strategy allocates Rs 22,000 per hectare, capped at two hectares per farmer, for those impacted by the unpredictable weather.
In just the past week, over 5,100 survey teams evaluated crop losses across 16,500 villages within 251 talukas across 33 districts.
The Chief Minister mandated that these assessments be finalized within three days, underscoring the government's urgency and commitment to swift relief.
In line with Chief Minister Patel's directives, Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were dispatched to the most severely affected areas to gauge the on-ground conditions.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi visited Surat district, Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani inspected Bhavnagar, while other Ministers like Naresh Patel, Arjun Modhwadia, Pradyuman Vaja, and Kaushik Vekariya evaluated damage in tribal and coastal regions including Tapi, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, and Amreli.
The Chief Minister himself toured affected areas in Gir Somnath and Junagadh, engaging with farmers, addressing their concerns, and assuring them of comprehensive government support.
A high-level meeting, led by CM Patel and attended by Ministers Jitu Vaghani, Rushikesh Patel, Kunvarji Bavaliya, Arjun Modhwadia, and Raman Solanki, finalized the Rs 10,000 crore assistance package after thorough review of all reports.
Finance Minister Kanu Desai and Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi also participated in discussions via video conference.
The Chief Minister articulated that this package embodies the state's steadfast empathy and support for its farmers, who are the foundation of Gujarat's economy.
He asserted that this assistance will furnish timely financial aid, empowering farmers to rehabilitate and stabilize their livelihoods following extensive crop damage.