Nagpur.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday assured all help to farmers who suffered losses in the recent hailstorms, unseasonal rains in North, West Maharashtra and Konkan region. The Chief Minister’s assurance came after Opposition members Radha Krushna Vikhe Patil, Patangrao Kadam, Ajit Pawar, and Chhagan Bhujbal raised the issue in Assembly.
The members said the sudden hailstorms and unseasonal rains that battered the areas have put the farmers in more agony. “Hundreds of cattle, other livestock have been left dead, standing crops have been destroyed. Therefore immediate ‘Panchanama’ (survey) should be carried out and a discussion in the House. Relief should be announced immediately,” demanded the members.
The Chief Minister said the demand of members is appropriate. “I have myself toured the affected areas and directed immediate ‘Panchanama today and tomorrow as well. The Speaker should decide the time for an all party meeting and after the detailed discussion, a positive decision could be arrived at,” said Fadnavis and assured all help to the affected farmers.
Meanwhile, MLA from Erandol of Jalgaon District Dr Satish Patil started a day-long Dharna protest outside the House demanding immediate compensation to affected farmers in Jalgaon district. The Jalgaon district was hit by hailstorms for continuous two days. He also demanded waiver of electricity bills of affected farmers in the district and the area be declared calamity-hit.
The Minister Vinod Tawde met the member Dr Satish Patil and assured him of taking the issue in the House and with Chief Minister.
Revenue Minister Khadse meets Patil:
Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse, who hails from Jalgaon, went to the protesting MLA Dr Satish Patil and urged him to come to the House and raise the matter.
Talking to media, Khadse said that Jalgaon District and other parts of North, West Maharashtra were hit by hailstorms and unseasonal rains causing damage to various crops and putting farmers at losses. Cattle and other livestock also perished. The Government has decided to give Rs 1.50 lakh each to the families of deceased farmers, Rs 16,400 for cattle and farm animals, and Rs 10,000 for other livestock. A meeting will be held today and a relief package apart from the cash assistance will be announced for the affected farmers, said Khadse.
Khadse clarifies on movie watching:
Khadse debunked the reports in some section of media that he was enjoying a movie when the hailstorm and rain was causing losses to farmers. “Yes, I was watching a movie. The movie ‘Hey Matrubhoomi’ (‘O’ Motherland) depicted a message on the ground realities and how moneylenders exploit the poor farmers. The movie has a strong social message so it will be made tax free. The Government is making all out efforts to mitigate the problems of farmers in the State and taking measures to overcome the drought situations permanently,” asserted Khadse.
