Maharashtra's Sugarcane Levy: A Battle Over Farmers' Welfare

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended a levy on sugarcane mills, asserting it targets mill profits, not farmers. The funds aid flood-affected farmers. Opposition leaders claim it burdens cultivators. Despite criticism, Fadnavis emphasizes the levy benefits flood-hit regions, sparking a political debate on its fairness.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has come under fire from Opposition leaders for levying a charge on sugarcane mills, a decision he staunchly defends, stating it draws from the profits of the mills and not from the earnings of farmers.

The levy, aimed at providing relief to flood-affected farmers in Marathwada, imposes Rs 10 per tonne for the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and Rs 5 for direct assistance. Critics argue the levy places an undue financial burden on sugarcane cultivators.

Fadnavis, however, countered the Opposition's claims, mentioning that some mills have a history of dishonest practices against farmers, and emphasized the government's standpoint for supporting hard-hit communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)