Maharashtra budget session begins

The issue of severe drought in various parts of Maharashtra assumed centre stage as budget session of state Legislature began in Mumbai yesterday, with opposition members alleging government's inaction in tackling the crisis. State Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse on the 1st day of the session declared drought in one thousand 53 villages in the state. He also informed the house about relief measures for farmers residing in drought-hit areas. 

Addressing a joint session of the state legislature, Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao said that the



Centre has disbursed the highest-ever drought relief package of Rs. 3049 crore to Maharashtra. He announced in his speech that the BJP-led government in the state has disbursed Rs. 2536 crore to the drought-affected farmers. 

The Governor said that the government has taken a decision to waive three months' interest on the crop loans and 33 per cent of farmer’s current electricity bills have been waived. He said that the government has initiated several mitigation measures in 14 agrarian-distressed districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada.