Maharashtra transfers ₹5,000 crore to 6.22 lakh farmers under loan waiver scheme

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday (August 7, 2026) said the state has begun transferring funds under the government’s farm loan waiver scheme. More than ₹5,000 crore has been credited to the bank accounts of 6.22 lakh farmers after completion of Aadhaar authentication.

The transfers are being made under the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farm Loan Waiver Scheme, which was launched earlier this year. The scheme waives short-term crop loans of up to ₹2 lakh for eligible farmers, covering loans taken between 2019 and 2025. It is a significant initiative aimed at reducing the debt burden on farmers in the state.

Mr. Fadnavis told reporters that the first list had around 16 lakh farmers. This list was sent for field verification. After Aadhaar authentication, the first list of about 6.22 lakh farmers was finalised and more than ₹5,000 crore was deposited into their bank accounts on the same day. He said the amount was transferred directly and the process will continue for other eligible farmers.

“Our preparations are complete. If we receive the authenticated data in one day, we can transfer the money in one day. The only requirement is that every farmer completes Aadhaar authentication. Once that is done, the process is automatic and the amount is credited,” the Chief Minister said. He assured that all eligible farmers would receive the benefit as soon as their Aadhaar authentication is completed.

The government has asked farmers to complete the authentication process without delay. Officials said camps are being organised in villages to help farmers complete the procedure.

Opposition parties in the state have been targeting the Mahayuti government over the loan waiver scheme. They allege that restrictive eligibility rules and technical conditions deliberately exclude more than 50% of distressed farmers from receiving benefits. The opposition has also questioned the pace of implementation, saying many farmers have been left out. The government, however, has maintained that the scheme is being implemented transparently and all eligible farmers will be covered.

In a separate development, Mr. Fadnavis spoke about preparations for the upcoming Nashik Kumbh Mela. He said multiple agencies are carrying out infrastructure works simultaneously because of time constraints. “We have asked every agency to prepare a plan and execute it. Since many works are going on at the same time, coordination is a challenge,” he said.

The Chief Minister directed the Nashik Municipal Corporation to install proper signboards, keep roads motorable during the monsoon as far as possible, and take up permanent repairs after the rainy season. He emphasised the need for proper coordination among all agencies to complete the works in time.

Mr. Fadnavis also said tar production had remained suspended for nearly three months due to the war, resulting in a shortage of the material required for road works. He said he has written to all central government companies, requesting them to reserve the required quantity of tar for Kumbh Mela works. “We are ready to make advance payments so that the material is available whenever needed,” he added.

The Kumbh Mela in Nashik is a major religious congregation that attracts large numbers of pilgrims. The state government is making arrangements to ensure proper facilities for the event.