Ajit Pawar Assures Full Relief to Farmers Before Diwali Amid Fears Over ₹31,000-Crore Package Distribution

Pune:
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has assured that the financial aid announced for farmers affected by heavy rains in Maharashtra will be disbursed in full before Diwali. He emphasized that the details of the relief package will become clear once the money is credited to farmers’ accounts.

Pawar stated that clear instructions have been given to Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) O. P. Gupta to ensure that the assistance reaches farmers before the festival. He also accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and attempting to mislead farmers about the actual distribution of funds.

Speaking to reporters after a review meeting in Pune, Pawar responded to concerns that out of the ₹31,000-crore package announced for rain-affected farmers, only ₹6,500 crore may actually reach them. He remarked that criticism from the opposition is expected, as they “will never appreciate the good work being done by the state government.”

Pawar asserted that the relief package announced by the government is the largest ever for farmers and that its scale will become evident once deposits are completed. He also mentioned that during a meeting with the Union Home Minister, the central government assured full cooperation to help Maharashtra overcome the crisis.

The report on crop losses, livestock deaths, and damage to roads, bridges, and wells caused by excessive rainfall is nearing completion. Once finalized, it will be sent to the central government, which will conduct a field inspection before releasing additional aid to the state.

Pawar reiterated that the government is committed to ensuring that financial relief reaches all affected farmers before Diwali, following directives issued during the recent cabinet meeting attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.