Mumbai, Oct. 14 -- Amidst the heavy shadow of drought gripping over 300 tehsils across Maharashtra, the state government has stepped in with a dual wave of financial relief, announcing an advance payout of Rs 5,000 for distressed farmers and a pre-Diwali festive bonus of Rs 2,000 for Anganwadi workers and helpers.

While crop inspections have concluded and the anxiety among the agrarian community remains high, the government's timely intervention aims to ease immediate festive burdens. In parallel, Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare announced that the state has sanctioned a total fund of Rs 42.81 crore to celebrate 'Bhau-Beej' with the grassroots workforce.

A total of 2,14,097 personnel-comprising 1,08,627 Anganwadi sevikas...