Should Maharashtra Pay Rs 50,000 per Hectare to Flood-Affected Farmers Before Dussehra?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Congress party demands Rs 50,000 per hectare compensation for farmers.
- Severe flooding has devastated crops in Marathwada, Maharashtra.
- Farmers are facing immense challenges as festivals approach.
- The government is criticized for its lack of action and support.
- Funding for infrastructure is prioritized over immediate aid for farmers.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Sep 25 (NationPress) The Congress party has put forth a demand for the state government to credit Rs 50,000 per hectare into the accounts of farmers impacted by severe rainfall and flooding in Marathwada and other regions of Maharashtra before the upcoming Dussehra festival.
The President of the State Congress, Harshwardhan Sapkal, who toured the villages heavily affected by the calamity in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Jalna districts, expressed grave concerns regarding the dire circumstances arising from excessive precipitation and floods.
“The entire Kharif season has been devastated. Farmers are facing significant hardships, yet no administrative personnel have reached out to assess the situation. As Dussehra and Diwali approach, the Chief Minister seems preoccupied with sharing statistics rather than implementing effective measures. Despite the clear evidence of a wet drought, the government appears indifferent. The issue of funding is the government's concern, but compensation of Rs 50,000 per hectare must be transferred to the affected farmers' accounts forthwith,” he stated after engaging with distressed farmers and residents. Sapkal criticized the Chief Minister for failing to follow through on his promises, labeling him as someone adept at making hollow commitments.
“Farmers' lands have been swept away, their means of income obliterated, yet the inactive Fadnavis government remains mute. They visited the fields for photo opportunities, but no assistance has reached the farmers’ hands.
The rhetoric from the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, and Ministers is appalling.
When farmers challenge the government, they are met with dismissive remarks such as: “Where should we source funds from? Do we carry cash in our pockets? Avoid politicizing.” Farmers and citizens have taken to the streets after losing everything due to natural calamities. If the government cannot comprehend this public outcry, it shows blatant insensitivity. The Mahayuti government’s attitude is both arrogant and embarrassing,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Sapkal noted that the government has funds available to assist a select few industrialists, buy off MLAs and MPs, invest Rs 55,000 crore in the Samruddhi Expressway, and even Rs 88,000 crore for the Shaktipeeth Expressway.
“However, when it comes to compensating farmers, suddenly there is a financial shortfall—why this lament? The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers should travel to Delhi and procure a special financial package for Maharashtra from the Central government,” he demanded.