STATE GOVT SCRAPS SCHEME TO REDUCE FARMER SUICIDES

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government on Wednesday decided to scrap Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan, a pilot project to counter distress among the agrarian community and ultimately, reduce farmer suicides.

However, the scheme failed to bring down suicides, following which the decision was taken, relief and rehabilitation department said.

“After taking a review of five years of progress, it was found that the scheme was not effective in giving desired results. The number of farmer suicides has not declined. Hence, it has been decided to scrap the scheme,” the order states. The state government had adopted Baliraja Chetana Abhiyan, a pilot project for Yavatmal and Osmanabad districts in 2015. It comprised 11 schemes under which the farmers were provided financial aid for mass marriage, cancer treatment, accidental deaths etc.

“Scrapping it now does not mean that it won’t be started again. We will be starting it in different districts this time. The decision on this is yet to be taken,” said Kishor Raje Nimbalkar, secretary, relief and rehabilitation department.