The summer floods that battered Maharashtra last year left thousands of farmers in chaos. In response, the state’s ruling BJP‑led coalition announced a relief package worth ₹31,628 crore – a figure that has sparked fierce debate. Shiv Sena (UBT) has slammed the plan, saying it is “a cruel joke” that will not help the farmers hit hardest by the rains.
Shiv Sena calls the relief package a “number game”
In a sharp editorial published in Saamana, the Shiv Sena mouthpiece branded the flood‑aid plan as rubbish. The article argued that the state government is “playing a number game” with the people it promises to help. It raised doubts about the package’s real value, the speed of disbursement, and whether the funds will reach those in need.
The editorial questioned the government’s claims that more than ₹30 billion would reach farmers by Diwali. “If the government really wanted to sweeten the Diwali of the farmers, it should have announced this package earlier,” the piece wrote. It also pointed out that the government’s own numbers – such as ₹3 lakh per farmer for NREGA‑affected lands – had yet to materialise in the field.
Why the funds are under scrutiny
- Large sums bundled with infrastructure: About ₹10,000 crore of the ₹31,628 crore is earmarked for infrastructure. Shiv Sena says this money may simply be filling contractors’ pockets rather than helping farmers directly.
- Slow disbursement: The state announced ₹563 crore for the flood‑hit Nanded district, but only ₹173 crore has been allocated so far.
- Insufficient compensation: The plan promises ₹47,000 per hectare as cash payment for eroded land. Critics note that the production cost of crops, such as soybean, can reach ₹35,000 per hectare, meaning the aid may cover only 30–40 % of the loss.
The central‑state coordination issue
Shiv Sena highlighted that many funds promised under the package come from the central government and often arrive late. The state government must still confirm how it will raise the remaining ₹31,628 crore, especially given its shrinking coffers. The editorial warned that the farmers must face a Diwali in the dark, with no real relief in sight.
CM Devendra Fadnavis under fire
Shiv Sena’s critique extends to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who defended the package as “substantial.” The editorial calls his assurances “a hoax” and argues that the governor’s promise of aid reaching farmers by Diwali is unrealistic.
What farmers and the public need to know
- Timing matters – aid must reach farmers before harvest season and Diwali, a crucial festival for the community.
- Check the numbers – while the state touts a ₹31,628 crore plan, the real impact depends on how much is delivered to the field.
- Watch the execution – infrastructural spending should be balanced with direct payments.
- Stay informed – farmers should keep track of official releases and citizen watchdog reports to confirm whether the promised ₹3 lakh per NREGA beneficiary actually gets paid.
Bottom line
The flood relief package has become a flashpoint political issue. Shiv Sena’s accusations paint a picture of a package that looks impressive on paper but may fall short in practice. As Maharashtra continues to recover from the worst monsoon in decades, citizens and stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the promised ₹31,628 crore translates into tangible help for the devastated farming community.
Source: ianslive
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