Aid to rain-hit farmers to be announced before session ends: Devendra Fadnavis

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today informed the Legislative Assembly that compensation package for farmers affected by unseasonal rains and hailstorms would be announced before the end of the budget session this week.

The issue was raised through an adjournment notice by the Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil as soon as Speaker Haribhau Bagde called for the question hour.

"The number of farmers committing suicide is increasing and reportedly about 10 to 15 farmers under burden of crop loss and rising debt end their lives," Vikhe Patil said.

He said the state government had promised relief to farmers but the budget session is coming to an end and there is no sign of any compensation package.

"There were never any suicides in Nandurbar district, which is now witnessing farmers ending their lives," he said demanding discussion on the issue.

Bagde rejected the notice and said the issue can be discussed after the question hour and called out for the questions.

However, Opposition members continued to shout slogans in support of their demand.

Jayant Patil (NCP) said other than compensation package for farmers, the government was supposed to make an announcement regarding FRP for sugarcane.

He was supported by his party legislator Chhagan Bhujbal, who demanded a statement from the chief minister.

Fadnavis, who was present in the House, said an announcement regarding the package would be made before the end of the session on April 10.