Mumbai, September 29 (Daily Kiran) : The Maharashtra government, under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has made significant announcements to address the severe drought conditions affecting the state. During a cabinet meeting, Fadnavis outlined measures aimed at ensuring that farmers receive the necessary government assistance without hindrance.
In a press conference following the meeting, he stated that the state would conduct on-ground inspections in talukas where crops have failed due to unusual weather, even if they did not meet standard automatic triggers for drought declaration. Farmers in these areas will now receive all drought-related benefits as part of a special concession.
This decision is expected to provide financial and administrative relief to thousands of farmers who were initially excluded from the state’s drought declaration due to automatic criteria. Fadnavis indicated that specific guidelines detailing financial support and resource distribution for newly formed areas would be released in the coming days. He noted that heavy rainfall in the first two months, followed by a complete drought, led to many regions not meeting the standard “Trigger 1” parameters.
To prevent any affected farmers from being overlooked, the government will physically assess crop damage on-site. A sub-committee formed to tackle drought issues will hold regular meetings, and ministers have been instructed to promptly present local proposals and responses.
Fadnavis also mentioned that officials in districts initially omitted from the drought list would be directed to apply alternative criteria and submit new relief proposals. The state government plans to issue a transparent government resolution prioritizing water use, ensuring that drinking water and livestock needs are considered before allocating supplies for other purposes.
District Planning and Development Committees (DPDC) have been tasked with allocating maximum resources for drought relief efforts. The government has advised guardian ministers to take creative and localized actions.
As an immediate relief measure for families in affected areas, the government will fully waive exam fees for students in grades 10 (SSC) and 12 (HSC). This new policy replaces previous arrangements for fee collection and reimbursement.
This announcement comes shortly after the Maharashtra government issued a resolution through its Relief and Rehabilitation Department, officially declaring drought conditions in 265 out of 358 talukas across the state due to insufficient monsoon rainfall during the 2026 kharif season. The decision follows the implementation of Trigger-1 guidelines under the Drought Management Code of 2016 and a report presented by the Agricultural Commissioner.
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