Maharashtra Government to disburse Rs 2,000 crore as farmers' compensation

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Government in a cabinet meeting today decided to disburse Rs 2,000 crore to the farmers affected by crop losses during last year's kharif season.

According to Relief and Rehabilitation Department officials, the aid will be deposited in the bank accounts of farmers.

"Those farmers, who do not have a bank account, will get their accounts under the PM's Jan Dhan Yojana," a state government official said.

Till January 7, Rs 2,000 crore has been released, out which Rs 382.62 crore has been disbursed in Nashik division, Rs 7.5 crore in Pune, Rs 845.55 crore in Aurangabad, Rs 500.93 crore in Amravati and Rs 259.40 crore in Nagpur.

The official said the funds have been disbursed to tehsildars by Divisional Commissioners through the District Collectors.

"The funds will be deposited in the bank accounts of the farmers by January 26," he added.

Small and marginal farmers will get compensation for the entire area, while those with large holding will get aid till one hectare land. The amount of aid ranges from Rs 4,500 to Rs 12,000 per hectare.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Chief Minister's Office said the state has demanded Rs 6,013.28 crore from the Centre for drought relief.

"But considering the urgency, Cabinet has decided to start distributing Rs 2,000 crore," the statement said.

Similarly, in another decision, the government has decided to rename Employment and Self Employment Department as 'Skill Development and Entrepreneurship'. A post of Principal Secretary has been created.

The Employment and Self Employment Department was created in 1997, but it was linked to Higher and Technical Education Ministry with a Deputy Secretary.

The statement said the government's decision will help boost skilled development in the state and encourage youths to take up self-employment opportunities.