Maharashtra Government Denies Paying Only Rs 6 Aid to Farmer
The Maharashtra government has vehemently denied allegations that a farmer received a shockingly low financial aid of just Rs 6 under its relief scheme. The clarification follows widespread outrage after a viral social media post accused the state of insensitivity toward struggling farmers.
The Viral Allegation and Backlash
A farmer from Maharashtra’s Marathwada region shared a screenshot of a bank transaction showing a credit of Rs 6 from the state government under the Mukhyamantri Shetkari Aadhar Nidhi Yojana, a scheme offering financial support to farmers. The post went viral, with opposition leaders and farmer groups condemning the payment as inadequate.
Opposition parties, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, labeled the payment an “insult” to farmers already battling droughts and crop losses. Protests erupted, demanding better transparency and increased aid for the agricultural community.
Government’s Response: Rs 6 Was a Residual Amount
The state Agriculture Minister, Dhananjay Munde, clarified that the Rs 6 transaction was not a standalone aid payment but the remaining balance of a Rs 2,000 installment.
“Under the scheme, farmers receive Rs 6,000 annually in three installments. This farmer had already been paid Rs 1,994 earlier. The Rs 6 was simply the adjustment to complete the installment,” Munde explained.
Officials emphasized that the scheme has supported over 40 lakh farmers, with most receiving full entitlements. They attributed the confusion to banking adjustments rather than intentional underpayment.
Political Fallout and Farmer Sentiments
The controversy fueled political clashes, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde) coalition of neglecting farmers.
“If the government can spend crores on ads, why can’t it ensure fair compensation?” questioned a Congress spokesperson. BJP leaders, however, dismissed the criticism as misinformation for political gain.
While the explanation has cooled some tempers, skepticism remains. Farmers argue that delays and bureaucratic hurdles diminish the impact of aid, regardless of amount.
Next Steps: Transparency and Reforms
The Maharashtra government plans to improve direct benefit transfers and enhance grievance redressal mechanisms. Experts also urge broader reforms, including crop insurance and infrastructure upgrades, to address systemic issues.
Conclusion
The Rs 6 aid dispute underscores the challenges of welfare scheme implementation and the need for greater transparency. While the government maintains the case was misrepresented, restoring farmer trust remains critical.
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