The Prime Minister assured farmers of assistance during a virtual event for the Pune Metro inauguration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday promised all possible help from the Centre to farmers in drought-hit Maharashtra, according to the Hindustan Times. Speaking virtually during the inauguration of the Pune Metro’s Hinjewadi-Shivajinagar Line 3, Modi said the NDA government is standing with those facing the natural crisis.
Modi noted that the state government has provided advance assistance and that the government has deposited PM-Kisan funds. He urged farmers not to worry about the support they will receive. The Prime Minister also asked citizens across India to help farmers during the festival season.
The state government has approved an advance payment of Rs 5,000 to eligible farmers in drought-affected areas to provide immediate relief. Under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, eligible families receive annual financial assistance of Rs 6,000 in three instalments.
During the address, Modi also cited a World Bank report stating that approximately 50 crore people in India have moved out of extreme poverty over the last 10-12 years. He said the government's approach focuses on empowering people through infrastructure and welfare schemes.
In a separate development, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr G Parameshwara has written to Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking financial aid for drought-affected farmers. The New Indian Express reported that Parameshwara is seeking an appointment to submit a memorandum regarding 226 drought-affected taluks in the state.
