Mumbai, Oct. 27 -- Amid a drought-like situation in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced advance drought relief of Rs 5,000 each for around 1.5 crore farmers, with a total outlay of Rs 7,500 crore, sources said on Tuesday.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting, according to sources.

Fadnavis has directed officials to ensure that banks do not deduct any amount from the relief payments and that farmers receive the full assistance.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to issue explicit directions to banks to prevent deductions from the amount being transferred to farmers as advance drought relief.

The announcement comes amid concerns over drought-like conditions in parts of the state and their potential im...