Ministers to visit drought-hit areas

After much hue and cry over farmers’ suicides, all ministers of the state Cabinet will be visiting drought-affected Marathwada and Vidarbha region on March 4 and 5 to review the situation. They have been asked to prepare a report on the situation and ensure that the farmers receive help on time. However, the Opposition has criticised the move by saying it’s just to save the government’s image in the Budget Session of legislature beginning from March 9.

The directions have come from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis who has asked the ministers to go to tehsil level and get the report. “We will be going to various drought-affected areas of the state to ensure that the farmers are getting help. Also, we will check that the water supply, fodder distribution and other aid is given to the villagers. So far, the district collectors have been giving reports on the drought situation. Now, the CM wants us to take stock of the situation and suggest more measures so that the people get some relief,” transport minister Diwakar Raote said.

Shiv Sena has been independently working in the Marathwada region, which is badly hit by the drought. However, the minister said this is an effort by the government that could make the machinery work better. “We have been doing a lot of work as a party. But the scheduled visit by the ministers will put pressure on the government agencies to work properly,” said Mr Raote.

This is the first time that all the ministers will be visiting the drought-hit areas after the Opposition raised issues related to drought. “The government has no face over the issue. They should have done it earlier. Even the court took suo moto notice and slammed the government over suicides. Now they will have to go, as the Budget Session of the legislature is beginning from next month,” Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said.