Mumbai: The Congress on Friday demanded waiver of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) for fodder camps. The party also demanded that the government should bring the expenditure of money on the fodder camps in the public domain.

Congress state unit chief Ashok Chavan said that the government should make known details as to how much money they have spent on the drought-affected farmers in the state.

Mr Chavan said that most of the farmers of the drought-affected areas in the state have not received financial aid from the government and, therefore, there are doubts surrounding the government’s claims of providing `4,300 crore in aid. “How much has the government spent on fodder camps in the state? How much financial aid has been given to farmers” The government should provide a village-wise list,” he said.

The Congress had formed various committees under their leaders, which had submitted the report to the state Congress president after visiting drought-affected areas.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, the leader said that during the election, the ruling parties have sought votes from the villagers but they did not try to understand their plights. He also said that the financial aid, which had been declared, is meagre.

He also said that the government had failed to provide water, employment and fodder.

Attacking the government over the water scarcity problem and Jalyukta Shivar scheme, the leader said that a small tanker has been sold at `2,000 while a large tanker has been sold at `4,000. But a handa (water container) has been sold at `60. This astonishing reality has been revealed in the committee’s report. Despite the grave situation, the government is unable to provide drinking water.