Government should act fast to check farmers' suicide in Maharashtra: K T S Tulsi

NEW DELHI: The government was today urged to act urgently to prevent suicides by farmers in Maharashtra who have been hit hard by the drought and were facing distress.

Raising the issue through a zero hour mention, K T S Tulsi (Nominated) said 3000 farmers have committed suicide during the last three years in Maharashtra.

Since January, 124 farmers have committed suicide after crop failure due to deficient rainfall and drought. "Promises made have failed to stem suicides," he said.

Adding insult to injury, there were statements by certain leaders like "there is competition for suicide", he said, adding that 90 lakh farmers have been impacted by drought in Maharashtra.

"Government must wake up and realise gravity of issue," Tulsi said.

Nine out of 29 states are drought hit and situation is only going to become graver and worrisome, he said, adding water at reservoirs is lower than 10 year average. Mere allocation of funds is not enough to solve the problem but timely disbursement is essential, he added.

Rajani Patil (Cong) said Latur district received water once in 40 days and Beed get water once a month.

Bhupinder Singh (BJD) demanded release of compensation for 235 blocks affected by drought in Odisha. "Assistance should be (disbursed) timely to reach the state."

Jharna Das Baidya (CPI-M) raised the issue of 40 dalits being molested and gang-raped by police in Bastar district of Chattisgarh. She demanded action be taken, the culprits arrested immediately and a fair inquiry ordered.