Stories
Maharashtra Government Announces New Relief Measures Amid Severe Drought and Crop Damage
- •The Maharashtra government announced a task force on October 5 to accelerate the Employment Guarantee Scheme and curb migration in drought-hit regions.
- •Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare warned of rising child marriage risks and directed local administrations to run outreach programmes.
- •Anganwadi centres have been ordered to maintain adequate water and food supplies, while children of migrant families will receive shelter in government hostels.
- •Cotton farmers in Vidarbha are urging the Central government not to extend duty-free cotton imports beyond October 31 to protect domestic prices.
- •Water storage across Maharashtra stands at 74.29 percent, significantly lower than 89.22 percent recorded on the same date last year.
Key Questions Answered
Maharashtra has announced measures focusing on employment, migration, and protecting women and children. The state will form a task force to accelerate the Employment Guarantee Scheme and prevent migration. Additionally, authorities are organizing outreach programs to raise awareness about child marriage risks, ensuring anganwadi centres have water and food supplies, and providing shelter in government hostels and child care homes for children from migrant families.
Cotton-producing districts in Vidarbha are reporting severe crop damage due to the drought. Farmers are strongly urging the Central government not to extend the duty-free import of cotton beyond October 31. They fear that allowing cheaper imported cotton into the domestic market will put further pressure on domestic prices and make it harder for local growers to compete.
As of October 5, total water storage in Maharashtra stands at 74.29%, which is significantly lower than the 89.22% recorded on the same date last year. Marathwada and Vidarbha continue to remain among the worst-affected regions experiencing this severe water deficit.
