Maharashtra govt has decided on relief for cotton farmers: Prithviraj Chavan

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said the government has already made up its mind on providing financial assistance per hecatre of land to cotton growers, even as the opposition boycotted the customary tea-party hosted by him over the issue.

"We have already made up our mind but due to the code of conduct imposed for the local bodies elections, the announcement regarding the quantum of relief has been held back," he told reporters on the eve of the commencement of the winter session of Maharashtra Legislature here tomorrow.

Chavan further said the state has approached the Central government for providing bonus in addition to the minimum support price (MSP) announced by the latter for the farmers.

"The bonus issue will be decided by the Agriculture Price Commission, an autonomous body under the Agriculture Ministry," he added.

On the Opposition's threat to stall proceedings of the Legislature over the issue, he said the matter was discussed with the Opposition leaders as well and the government was committed to provide relief to the farmers.

"The issue would also be discussed on the floor of the House," he added.

On the demand for a memorial for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at the Indu Mill land in Mumbai, Chavan said he has written to the Prime Minister for allotment of 125 acres of land which was under possession of National Textile Corporation (NTC).

The state had taken up the matter in August this year, he added.

To a query on the appointment of a Lok Ayukta in the State, Chavan said he had met Abhishek Singhvi, chairman of the Standing Committee on Lokpal and the state was waiting for a final word from the Committee.

The Centre is in favour of uniformity in the appointment of Lok Ayuka in states in the country, he said.