On September 28, 2026, Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), delivered a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, outlining seventeen specific requests aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by farmers, agricultural workers, and rural communities impacted by drought. Pawar’s proposal includes the complete waiver of loans associated with agriculture and agribusiness from various banks, including cooperative and nationalised banks, along with personal loans applied through various government departments.

Pawar specifically requested that loans from cooperative banks, urban cooperative banks, and credit societies, as well as loans taken for orchards and by women’s self-help groups, be forgiven. He stated, “Loans taken by farmers for agriculture and allied activities, as well as personal loans from Social Justice, Minority, and Tribal Welfare departments should be completely waived from the date of waiver until now.”

In addition to loan waivers, Pawar called for the exemption of land revenue and agricultural electricity bills. He proposed that each affected family should receive 25 kilograms of free grains, enhancing food security for those struggling due to drought conditions. According to his letter, “Complete land revenue should be waived, along with all electricity bills for farmers’ pumps.” He demanded the provision of food grains to ensure sustenance for families reliant on agriculture.

Financial Support and Emergency Measures

Pawar further requested immediate financial support of Rs 1 lakh per hectare for farmers and Rs 25,000 for agricultural labourers adversely affected by the drought. He asserted that this funding should be transferred directly to their bank accounts to facilitate rapid assistance. He remarked, “Considering the severity of the drought situation, financial assistance should be channelled immediately to affected individuals.”

To address drinking water shortages, he recommended granting Tehsildars the authority to approve the deployment of water tankers, aimed at ensuring prompt access to potable water for both people and livestock. He stated, “The authority to approve water tankers for drinking purposes should be given to Tehsildars, and action should be taken urgently.” This proposal reflects the critical need for water supply in regions suffering from severe drought.

Pawar’s letter also emphasised the need for employment-generation schemes, special funds for water conservation initiatives, and the waiver of educational fees for students from drought-stricken areas, covering hostel fees and meal costs. He urged that these criteria be relaxed to facilitate immediate work on water conservation.

Legislative Session and Government Action

Pawar additionally insisted on convening a special three-day session of the Maharashtra Legislature to allow for comprehensive discussions regarding the drought crisis. He requested that the government take steps to ensure assistance is adequately provided to farmers and agricultural labourers prior to the upcoming Dussehra-Diwali festival. He mentioned, “A special session should be arranged to thoroughly discuss the drought situation and make essential decisions.” This call for legislative action suggests a collaborative effort to address the crisis.

The Nationalist Congress Party leader has urged the Maharashtra government to act without delay, highlighting the urgent need for intervention in light of the grave challenges faced by those in rural areas. Pawar stated, “It is imperative that these demands be implemented quickly to provide necessary relief to suffering citizens, including farmers and labourers.” His letter serves as a clarion call for the government to respond proactively to the dire needs of the state’s rural population.

Overall, Pawar’s comprehensive demands reflect the pressing conditions faced by many in Maharashtra and seek to mobilise both financial and legislative resources to counteract the effects of drought in the region.

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