Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the NDA government stands firmly with farmers affected by drought in Maharashtra and promised all possible help from the Central government. He spoke after inaugurating Pune Metro Line 3, also called the Pink Line, through video conferencing, according to Oneindia.
Key points
- PM Modi assured Maharashtra farmers of full support from the Centre during the drought.
- The state government has declared 85 per cent of Maharashtra drought-hit and announced interim aid of Rs 5,000 before Diwali.
- Modi pointed to assistance under the PM-KISAN scheme and appealed to people to remember affected families during the festive season.
- He said the state has done major water conservation work, but the current calamity has created serious challenges.
Message to drought-hit farmers
Modi said he is aware of the drought situation in Maharashtra and noted that the state government has already given advance assistance. He told every farmer in the state that the NDA government stands with them with full sensitivity. "Do not worry, we are all standing with our farmers," he said.
The Prime Minister said the state government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has carried out substantial water conservation work in recent years. However, he said the present natural calamity has created serious challenges. He also referred to the help given through the PM-KISAN scheme and repeated the government's commitment to supporting farmers.
Appeal for Diwali
Modi asked people across the country to remember farmers during the festive season. He said it is a social responsibility to make sure that Diwali celebrations reach the homes of drought-affected families too. "We should not forget the difficulties faced by drought-affected citizens, farmers, and people living in villages," he said, adding that the crisis would be faced collectively.
According to the report, the state government has declared 85 per cent of Maharashtra drought-hit. It has announced an interim aid of Rs 5,000 to be given before Diwali.
Wider remarks on farmers and poverty
Modi said farmers have a significant role in India's journey to becoming a developed nation and that his government is continuously working to empower them. Citing a recent World Bank report, he said 50 crore people in India had come out of extreme poverty within 12 years. He described India as one of the fastest-growing economies and among the fastest at reducing poverty.
The Prime Minister said investment in roads, railways, airports, metro networks, electricity, drinking water and gas pipelines is improving lives and creating jobs. He added that houses, toilets, tap water and LPG connections for poor families have raised their confidence, saved time and opened chances for extra income. Referring to his 25 years in public office, he said the aim has been to empower the poor so they can overcome poverty through their own efforts.
He said reducing poverty also strengthens the economy by growing the middle class and raising purchasing power, and he called for continued public participation in the country's development.
