MAHARASHTRA Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said the first notification related to drought mitigation will be issued in three days. He said financial assistance will be sought from the Centre even as the State Government will start extending aid to farmers. “Just declaring drought is not enough. We need to ensure that measures related to drought mitigation (are implemented). The first notification will be issued in three days,” the Chief Minister told reporters after chairing a Cabinet meeting in Mumbai. Several parts of Maharashtra, especially Marathwada and Vidarbha, arewitnessing drought- like conditions due to weak monsoon. The Opposition has demanded that the Government declare drought immediately and extend relief measures. Fadnavis reiterated that the State Government would not wait for financial assistance from the Centre to provide relief to farmers facing distress due to inadequate rainfall, and a proposal seeking Central assistance would be prepared Septarately as per NDRF rules. He said Ministers and MLAs would visit affected areas to assess the situation and interact with farmers. “The State has already initiated relief measures, while the formal process for seeking the Centre’s assistance would continue simultaneously,” he said. Fadnavis said that during drought or excessive rainfall, Central assistance often comes late because a process must be followed.

 

“That process has been laid down under a law passed by Parliament, and certain timelines have been prescribed. We will complete all the legal requirements and send the proposal, but we will not wait for that assistance. Whatever help we have to provide, we will continue to provide it,” Fadnavis added. He said Ministers and MLAs will interact with farmers who can raise grievances and express their views. “We will seek a package from the Centre and financial assistance. We will Septarately start preparing a proposal,” he added. MAH GOVT CONSIDERING INCREASE IN MPSC POSTS: FADNAVIS: THE Maharashtra Government is considering a substantial increase in the number of posts available through the State Public Service Commission (MPSC), which will “break previous records”, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday. The Government will also positively consider reverting to an objective examination pattern if such a recommendation is made by a high-powered committee on MPSC reforms, he said. “The Government would consider the recommendations of a High-Powered Committee and would be positive about reverting to an objective examination pattern if the panel recommended it,” Fadnavis told reporters after attending a State Cabinet meeting.