The Maharashtra government has directed officials to transfer ₹5,000 each to around 1.5 crore drought-affected farmers before Diwali, committing an estimated ₹7,500 crore to immediate relief across the state.
The decision was taken after a state Cabinet meeting, according to Aaj Tak Business. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis instructed officials to ensure that the assistance reaches farmers’ bank accounts during the week before the festival. The payment is being described as advance financial support for families affected by crop losses and water shortages.
The Chief Minister has also directed banks not to deduct any part of the relief amount towards old farm loans or outstanding dues. The instruction is intended to ensure that the full assistance reaches eligible farmers rather than being adjusted against existing liabilities.
The announcement comes after the state expanded its drought declaration to 305 talukas across 34 districts. The number was initially set at 265 talukas and was later increased as the administration assessed the severity and spread of water stress. The affected areas cover all six revenue divisions, with substantial impact reported in parts of Marathwada, Vidarbha, north Maharashtra and the Pune division.
The state government has said that drought-affected farmers are also receiving other forms of relief, including a pause on recovery of crop loans, concessions on electricity bills and arrangements for water supply. The ₹5,000 payment is intended to provide immediate cash support to rural households facing crop damage and inadequate rainfall.
The scale of the proposed transfer means that the measure will place an estimated ₹7,500 crore burden on the state treasury. The calculation is based on assistance of ₹5,000 for approximately 1.5 crore farmers. The source report did not provide a district-wise allocation, eligibility list or payment schedule beyond the direction to complete transfers before Diwali.
Fadnavis had visited drought-affected villages in September and said the state would announce relief measures quickly. He had also stated that Maharashtra would not wait for assistance from the Centre before providing immediate support to affected farmers. The latest payment announcement follows that assurance.
Rainfall data cited in the report indicates that Maharashtra received 80.82% of its average rainfall between June 1 and September 21. Seventeen districts recorded between 50% and 75% of normal rainfall, while 14 districts received between 75% and 100% of normal rainfall during the period. Solapur was identified as the worst-affected district, receiving 48.65% of its average rainfall.
The state’s next operational step is to process the transfers directly into farmers’ bank accounts before Diwali while continuing other drought-relief measures across the 305 declared talukas.
