Mumbai, Oct. 27 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to deposit Rs 5,000 each as advance drought relief into the bank accounts of 1.5 crore farmers this week, with a total provision of Rs 7,500 crore for the disbursement.

Fadnavis has also instructed officials to ensure that banks do not deduct any amount from the relief payments, allowing farmers to receive the full assistance.

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

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the government would provide farmers with the benefits available following the declaration of drought, in addition to the immediate financial assistance of Rs 5,000.

"After a drought was declared, 12 kinds of...