Drought-hit Maharashtra farmers to get ₹5,000 aid before Diwali

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday that drought-hit farmers in the state will receive ₹5,000 each in their bank accounts before Diwali. He said that the state will not wait for the Centre's assistance to arrive as central assessment procedures take time and cannot legally conclude before Diwali. Over 85% of Maharashtra's talukas have been declared drought-hit.