Mumbai: The Bombay High Court drought relief schemes hearing has brought attention to the problems faced by landless labourers, marginal farmers and agricultural workers in Maharashtra. On November 4, 2026, the court asked the Maharashtra Government to provide details of all relief schemes available for drought-affected people before the next hearing on November 18.
The court wants to understand whether existing government schemes are reaching all affected communities, especially people who do not own agricultural land.
Maharashtra Drought Relief Case: Bombay High Court Seeks Details Of Government Schemes
A division bench of the Bombay High Court, comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna, directed the Maharashtra Government to submit details of its drought relief schemes.
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The bench asked Advocate General Dr Milind Sathe to provide copies of all relevant schemes before November 18, 2026.
During the hearing, Chief Justice Tripathi said that the court wanted to understand the available relief measures before examining the petition in detail.
The Advocate General, assisted by Additional Government Pleader Priyabhushan Kakade, assured the court that the required information would be submitted.
The petition was listed for hearing on November 4. However, due to a shortage of time, the court could not hear the matter in detail. It will now be heard on November 18, after the Diwali vacation.
Maharashtra Drought Relief Case: PIL Highlights Problems Faced By Landless Labourers
The case concerns a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Swabhimani Mazdoor Sanghatan, a registered union representing rural workers in Maharashtra.
The petition was filed on behalf of landless labourers, marginal farmers, migrant workers and agricultural workers. Senior Advocate Mihir Desai and Advocate Devyani Kulkarni represented the petitioner.
According to the petition, drought has been declared in 305 out of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas.
The union claims that many affected workers have not received proper support from government authorities. It says they are facing difficulties in getting employment, unemployment allowances, food, drinking water, healthcare and other basic facilities.
The petition also argues that existing relief measures mainly benefit farmers who own agricultural land and have formal bank loans or cooperative credit.
As a result, landless labourers and other vulnerable rural workers may remain outside the relief system.
Petition Seeks Employment And Food Security Benefits
The petitioner has requested the proper implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, also known as the VB-G RAM G Act.
It has also sought the effective implementation of the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Act, 1977.
The petition further requests the implementation of the Manual for Drought Management, 2016, and the State Disaster Management Plan, 2023.
According to the plea, these measures are important to protect rural workers and improve drought management across the state.
Key Relief Measures Requested By The Petitioners
The union has requested several forms of assistance for drought-affected people. The major demands include:
- Unemployment Allowance: Payment of unemployment allowances to eligible workers who cannot find work.
- Food Security: Free foodgrains and food security allowances for affected families.
- Drinking Water: Proper arrangements to provide safe drinking water in drought-hit areas.
- Animal Fodder: Availability of fodder for livestock affected by water and food shortages.
- Debt Relief: Relief from debts, including microfinance and informal loans.
- Financial Assistance: ₹5,000 financial assistance from the state as advance relief for drought-hit farmers ahead of Diwali.
- Employment Support: Proper implementation of employment guarantee schemes for rural workers.
The petition also seeks a three-year drought resilience plan to improve preparedness and protect vulnerable communities from future drought conditions. It further requests monthly compliance reports to monitor the implementation of relief measures.
FAQs
According to the petition, drought has been declared in 305 out of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas.
The Bombay High Court wants to examine the government’s existing drought relief schemes and understand whether they are helping landless labourers, marginal farmers and other affected rural workers.
The Bombay High Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 18, 2026, after the Diwali vacation. The Maharashtra Government has been asked to submit details of its drought relief schemes before that date.
