Mumbai, 14 Oct (HS): The Maharashtra Government has

decided to transfer Rs 5,000 to all the farmers affected by the drought, before

the coming Diwali festival. The money will be ytransferred to the farmers’ bank

accounts. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis immediately

after meeting with the ministers on Wednesday.

The procedure for officially declaring drought

affected area will be completed by November end. But the government took the

decision to pay advance so that the farmers could celebrate the festival.

Drought in Maharashtra was declared in 265 talukas in October. Later 40 more

talukas were added to the list. A list of about 3.50 lakh farmers affected by

the drought was also prepared. They will get the financial support of Rs 5,000 before

Diwali festival.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar