Maharashtra to Introduce Bill Granting Legal Status to Women Farmers, Says CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Sunday that the state government will introduce a bill during the Monsoon Session of the state legislature to grant legal status to women farmers. The move aims to address the disparity where women constitute the majority of the agricultural workforce but are not legally recognised as farmers due to lack of land ownership in their names.
Addressing a press conference on the eve of the Monsoon Session, Fadnavis stated that researcher Sowmya Swaminathan had presented recommendations on the matter. "A bill will be brought which will give them legal status as farmers," he said, emphasising the need for formal recognition of women's contribution to agriculture.
In addition, the Chief Minister discussed the state's farm loan waiver programme. He noted that the government is implementing a loan waiver of Rs 36,585 crore, which he described as the largest such waiver ever announced, benefiting approximately 56 lakh farmers. Fadnavis clarified that the waiver is not a poll-driven measure but aims to bring farmers into the formal lending system. He assured that a sub-committee under his leadership would ensure benefits reach the maximum number of farmers while avoiding adverse effects on the banking system.
Regarding the monsoon situation, Fadnavis reported an 80 per cent rainfall deficit so far in Maharashtra. He advised farmers not to rush with sowing and noted that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects monsoon to reach Konkan around June 23, but Vidarbha and Marathwada may not receive sufficient rain until the first week of July. He emphasised that sowing should only begin after farmland receives 100 mm of rainfall.
Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar reiterated the government's commitment to recognising women farmers and supporting the proposed bill.
The Chief Minister also responded to political criticism, stating that the opposition has failed to bring new issues to the table and lacks connection with the people's concerns. He denied allegations of corruption in the government contracting system, dismissing claims of a 56 per cent commission demand.
On the Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde confirmed its continuation, with ineligible beneficiaries being removed after a thorough review. Initially based on self-certification, the scheme saw irregularities, prompting a cleanup.
When questioned about Uddhav Thackeray's offer to step down as Shiv Sena chief, Fadnavis remarked that the Shiv Sena is a legacy of ideology, not private property. He asserted that the real Shiv Sena, represented by the 'bow and arrow' symbol, belongs to the faction led by Eknath Shinde, who parted ways with Thackeray's group to uphold the original ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray.
