Fadnavis made the appeal during an informal interaction with reporters at Ramgiri, his official residence, where he said govt was working to take relief to as many farmers as possible. Nagpur: CM Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday said he would celebrate Diwali with drought-hit farmers, and appealed to every minister in the state to do the same.
Fadnavis said Diwali was a festival of joy and warmth, but the present situation was challenging for farmers in the state. The appeal is meant to let farm families share in the festival and feel that they are not alone, he said. Under the appeal, each minister is supposed to spend one day of Diwali with farmers in a village.
Fadnavis said the effort could help share in farmers’ joys and sorrows, offer them emotional support and look at their problems with sensitivity. On his own plans, Fadnavis said, “I will also go to a village in Nagpur district for a day. Let us all come together and overcome the drought. ” Help needed to reach farmers not only from govt but also from society, Fadnavis said. Calling farmers a key pillar of the state’s economy, Fadnavis said farm distress did not stay limited to farm families but also hit the rural economy. He said a joint effort by govt, people’s representatives, social organisations and citizens could widen the reach of relief.
Through the visits, ministers are expected to talk to farm families in rural areas, learn about their situation and understand their difficulties. Govt has decided to encourage relief work already under way by social organisations and individuals, he added. Minister of state for finance and planning Ashish Jaiswal and MLAs Sanjay Bhende, Parinay Fuke and Krishna Khopde were present. Officers and employees of the state information and public relations office in Nagpur handed Fadnavis a cheque for drought relief on the occasion, though the amount was not disclosed. No date was given for the CM’s village visit.