Should the Central Government Aid Flood-Affected Farmers from the PM Care Fund?
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Synopsis
Uddhav Thackeray advocates for immediate government support for flood-affected farmers in Maharashtra, emphasizing the need for significant financial aid from the PM Cares Fund. He highlights the inadequate assistance farmers currently receive and the urgency of addressing their needs ahead of Diwali.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent government support is needed for flood-affected farmers.
- Financial aid of Rs 50,000 per hectare is proposed.
- The current aid of Rs 3,500 per acre is deemed inadequate.
- Thackeray emphasizes the need for loan waivers.
- The impact of floods on agriculture and farmers' livelihoods is profound.
Mumbai, Sep 25 (NationPress) Uddhav Thackeray, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and leader of Shiv Sena-UBT, has called on the Central government to offer support from the PM Cares Fund and to waive loans for farmers impacted by the severe rains and floods affecting Marathwada and other regions of Maharashtra.
He urged the MahaYuti government to promptly distribute financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare, similar to the support provided by the AAP government in Punjab.
After visiting the worst-hit villages in Dharashiv district, Thackeray emphasized the necessity for farmers to receive aid before Diwali.
Thackeray remarked, “The PM Care Fund was established during the Corona period, and while substantial funds were deposited, it is time for the Prime Minister to utilize those resources for the current crisis.”
He added, “If the government fails to cancel the farmers' loans, the Shiv Sena will advocate for them.”
Thackeray criticized the state government’s financial aid announcement as insufficient given the extent of the destruction.
“Currently, farmers are set to receive a meager Rs 3,500 per acre, which is inadequate considering the costs for cleaning their fields. Punjab has allocated Rs 50,000 per hectare; therefore, Maharashtra should do the same. This is not a political issue, but a matter of urgent assistance,” he stated.
He also pointed out Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s comments regarding the government’s expenditure on the Ladki Bahin Yojana, questioning the effectiveness of such funds in addressing the crisis faced by farmers.
Thackeray clarified that while politics should not overshadow this issue, inadequate aid from the government cannot be accepted.
“This is one of the worst crises farmers have faced in years. Many have suffered losses, with land eroded and livestock swept away. The impact on agriculture and the livelihoods of farmers is devastating,” he conveyed.
He reiterated, “The current assistance is far too limited. The costs for clearing fields filled with mud and eroded soil will be double what the government is providing. This is an insult to our farmers.”
He criticized the current state of crop insurance as fraudulent, with banks sending loan repayment notices to farmers. He advised farmers facing such notices to bring them to the nearest Shiv Sena-UBT office for further assistance.
Point of View
It is crucial to prioritize the welfare of farmers who are facing unprecedented challenges due to natural disasters. The call for government intervention reflects a growing concern for agricultural communities and emphasizes the importance of timely support in crisis situations.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What assistance is Uddhav Thackeray asking for?
Uddhav Thackeray is asking for financial aid from the PM Cares Fund and loan waivers for flood-affected farmers.
How much financial support is being proposed per hectare?
Thackeray proposes financial assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare for the affected farmers.
What is the current amount of aid provided to farmers?
Currently, farmers are expected to receive Rs 3,500 per acre, which Thackeray considers inadequate.
What did Thackeray say about the PM Cares Fund?
Thackeray stated that the PM Cares Fund, established during the pandemic, should now be used to assist farmers affected by the floods.
What did Thackeray criticize about the state government's aid?
Thackeray criticized the state government for providing insufficient aid given the severity of the damages caused by the floods.
