Mumbai, June 22: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stressed the importance of good governance over political theatrics just a day before the Monsoon Session. In a press conference, he affirmed the government’s readiness to debate issues concerning farmers’ welfare and legal protections.
Fadnavis, along with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar, criticized the opposition’s decision to boycott the common tea meeting. He accused them of sending a stale letter without addressing any new issues.
Defending the government’s ₹36,585 crore crop loan waiver scheme, Fadnavis stated it was initiated without electoral motives. He claimed the scheme aims to assist farmers in continuing their agricultural activities without hassle.
The CM noted that approximately 5.6 million farmers are expected to benefit from this significant loan waiver initiative. He explained that between 2019 and 2025, defaulted crop loans and restructured non-performing asset accounts would be fully waived for every farmer, up to ₹2 lakh, without any landholding criteria.
Farmers who have consistently repaid their crop loans over the past three years will receive a financial incentive of ₹50,000. Acknowledging the challenges posed by El Niño, he assured that the government has implemented several measures to mitigate its impact.
Fadnavis urged farmers not to rush into sowing, as some rainfall is expected by the end of June or early July. He mentioned that Maharashtra has received substantial support and financial assistance from the central government to effectively implement structural schemes.
During the session, a total of ten essential legislative bills will be introduced. Notably, one of these bills includes a provision to grant independent legal status to female farmers. The proposed legal framework will ensure that women co-own agricultural land titles and directly access institutional credit, independent subsidies, and government benefits.
In addition to the new bills, a pending bill in the Legislative Council will be presented for consideration. Addressing concerns related to the National Entrance Examination, the CM stated that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was conducted smoothly in Maharashtra without any technical or systemic issues.
He emphasized that the state’s machinery has taken extensive preventive measures to eliminate malpractice, ensuring the protection of genuine medical candidates’ interests.
Fadnavis reiterated that the government’s top priority is to safeguard the interests of ordinary citizens. He stated, “Our fundamental approach is based on active dialogue. We are fully prepared to respond to any constructive legislative questions. If the opposition chooses to engage in politics, they will receive a political response in kind. If they raise social issues, they will get a logical social response.”
Meanwhile, the opposition justified its decision to boycott the CM’s tea meeting, citing the government’s failure on critical issues.
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