Maharashtra Restricts Officials’ Leave Amid Drought-Like Conditions
Maharashtra authorities have restricted leave for key officials as drought-like conditions intensify, directing departments to prioritise relief, crop assessment and farmer assistance.
Authorities in Maharashtra have restricted leave for officials in key departments as prolonged rainfall deficiencies have created drought-like conditions in several parts of the state. The move is intended to keep officials available for relief and mitigation work, particularly in areas facing crop losses, water shortages and fodder concerns.
In Nanded, District Collector Rahul Kardile directed officials from departments including revenue, agriculture, rural development, water resources, animal husbandry and land records to prioritise drought-related work. Officials have also been instructed not to leave their headquarters without prior permission. Leave will require approval from the district collector, except in cases considered extremely urgent.
The administration has warned of action against officials who leave without permission, extend leave without approval or remain absent from their headquarters. The restrictions are aimed at ensuring that field-level officials remain available for crop assessments, farm loan restructuring and assistance to affected farmers.
The state government is also preparing immediate relief measures. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said drought relief will be initiated under the state's Trigger 1 mechanism in severely affected areas, with assistance planned for farmers. A cabinet sub-committee has also been formed to monitor the situation.
The measures come as Maharashtra deals with significant rainfall deficits in several regions. With farmers waiting for relief, the message to officials is simple: drought duty first, leave later.
