Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that the state has expanded its drought declaration to 305 talukas, up from the previously designated 265, and has approved a ₹5,000 Diwali bonus for farmers, which will be deposited directly into their bank accounts prior to the festival.
Speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, Fadnavis explained that the government decided to accelerate its relief efforts to support farmers suffering from severe crop damage and financial distress brought on by the drought.
“Earlier, drought was declared in 265 talukas. Today, we have declared drought in a total of 305 talukas. We have checked old records; normally help is given in December. But this time we have declared drought in advance,” he said.
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“This Diwali is going to be difficult for farmers. It will be difficult for them to manage during Diwali. Considering this situation, we have discussed and decided to provide assistance to farmers in the coming days. We have decided to give Rs 5,000 to farmers as a Diwali bonus. This amount should reach the farmers' accounts before Diwali. The loan waiver amount is also being credited to their accounts,” the Chief Minister added.
Fadnavis emphasized that the initiative is intended to deliver immediate financial aid so affected farming families can meet their festival expenses. Prior to this expansion, the state had categorized 265 of its 358 talukas, spanning 32 districts, as drought-hit.
Addressing the worsening water scarcity across the region, Fadnavis noted that dropping groundwater levels have required a higher deployment of drinking water tankers. To ensure efficient delivery, the state is monitoring tanker movements using GPS technology.
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“The number of tankers for drinking water is increasing. The water table has gone below 3 meters. We are providing tankers. Tankers will also be tracked via GPS. 16,000 illegal connections have been cut. We have decided to ensure a safe drinking water supply,” he said.
During the press briefing, Fadnavis also highlighted a state Cabinet resolution honoring Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 25 years as a head of government, commending his broader contributions to national development.
He noted that the Cabinet specifically recognized PM Modi's focus on marginalized communities through targeted social programs in housing, healthcare, and sanitation, as well as reforms like the One Nation One Ration Card scheme.
"Narendra Modi has completed 25 years as Head of Government. The Cabinet noted his dedicated service to the nation, especially for the poor and deprived. He is a true public servant and a Karmayogi," he said.
"He has worked for the poor through schemes for housing, health, and toilets. He has presented a model of good governance to the people through initiatives like One Nation One Ration Card. Today the world is looking at India as a prosperous, powerful and self-reliant nation because of him. This is a matter of great pride for all of us," Fadnavis added.
The Chief Minister listed several major infrastructure and welfare projects in Maharashtra attributed to the central government's support, including the Metro, Atal Setu, Samruddhi Expressway, Navi Mumbai International Airport, and key irrigation initiatives.
"It was PM Modi who installed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Rajmudra on our warships. Under his leadership, Marathi was granted Classical Language status. Projects like Metro, Atal Setu, Samruddhi Expressway, and Navi Mumbai International Airport are his contributions. 29 major irrigation projects were given to Maharashtra. The Baliraja Sanjivani Yojana was specially created for Maharashtra. Under PM-KUSUM Yojana, Rs 11 lakh crore was given. Land was given for the Indu Mill memorial for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. Under PM Modi's leadership, we are planning to celebrate the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule," he said.
"Loans worth Rs 1 lakh crore are being given to farmers. Loans are being given under the Mudra Yojana. 29,000 water supply schemes have been completed. We have created 2 crore jobs in rural areas. AURIC City was developed in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. 100% electrification of railways has been done," Fadnavis added.
He concluded by confirming that the Cabinet formally passed and will forward a congratulatory resolution to the Prime Minister.
"We are working to make India a 5 trillion economy by 2029. The Cabinet has passed a resolution congratulating his leadership, which we will send to PM Modi ji. The Cabinet has also passed a resolution thanking PM Modi, under whose leadership development works worth Rs 12 lakh crore are underway in Maharashtra. We also prayed for PM Modi ji's long life," Fadnavis said.
PM Modi marked a quarter-century as a head of government on October 7, 2026, a tenure that began with his appointment as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7, 2001, and followed with three consecutive terms as Prime Minister starting in 2014.