Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday demanded compensation and a loan waiver from the PM CARES Fund for farmers affected by floods in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.
Speaking to reporters, Raut called for assistance of ₹50,000 per hectare from the Centre.
He said, “Regarding the dire situation in Marathwada, certain demands have been made by the Maharashtra government. We also suggest that the PM CARES Fund should be used to make Maharashtra’s farmers debt-free, and assistance of ₹50,000 per hectare should be provided. If the Prime Minister does this, we will definitely welcome him to Maharashtra.”
Raut also urged for an open discussion on the issue, criticising closed-door meetings, as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital, while both Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held talks with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Mumbai.
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“We will discuss the situation of farmers in Marathwada. Call everyone, and we will also offer our suggestions. This is not something to be discussed sitting in a closed room. The entire state of Maharashtra is in mourning,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said.
On Friday, Fadnavis met Modi in New Delhi and apprised him of the heavy rains, the flood situation and the losses suffered by farmers in the state.
He also submitted a memorandum seeking substantial central assistance. Modi assured him that the Union government would firmly stand behind Maharashtra’s farmers.
Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil also pressed for a compensation package worth around ₹10,000 crore to support farmers.
“Maharashtra faces a severe crisis. The central government must provide a compensation package of around ₹10,000 crore to support farmers. Additionally, school fees for students should be waived, and the government should cover the costs associated with electricity and other essential services. They should firmly back the farmers. Restoring the previous features of farmer crop insurance is also necessary. The current ₹2,215 crore aid is merely a mockery of the farmers,” Londhe Patil said.
Farmers in Marathwada and several other parts of Maharashtra have been badly affected by heavy rainfall and floods across the state.
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