MUMBAI: In view of the prevailing drought conditions, the Maharashtra government today decided to waive off educational fees of the farmers' children upto standard 12 in the districts hit by the natural calamity.
"We have decided to waive off educational fees of farmers' children upto standard 12 in the districts affected by drought," State Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse said.
He said similarly children of farmers in the drought-hit areas studying engineering and medicine will get 50 per cent concession in their fees.
As many as 69 tehsils in the state are affected by drought. Parts of the Marathwada region have been hit by the calamity.
Meanwhile, the government also decided to provide an accident policy insurance cover to 1.35 crore farmers in the state wherein their kin will be entitled to an amount of Rs 2 lakh.
"The premium installment for the Rs two lakh insurance cover will be paid by the government. The policy will be safeguard for the farmer against accident or death. Suicide is not covered in the policy," Khadse added.
When asked what would be the financial burden on the state exchequer, the minister said, "the number of tehsils reeling under drought would go up. Only after we get a final number of tehsils, we can work out the financial burden."
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis yesterday visited Solapur district and took stock of the situation.