Fadnavis announces Rs 5,000 per farmer before Diwali as drought relief advance

Fadnavis said the Centre’s rules make it impossible to release drought assistance before the festival, so the state will pay an advance from its own funds.Drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra will receive Rs 5,000 each in their bank accounts before Diwali, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday, saying the state would not wait for the Centre’s assistance to arrive.