Drought Aid: Shirdi Sai Sansthan Donates Rs 5 Crore to Maharashtra CM

In a significant step toward drought relief, the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan of Shirdi has donated Rs 5 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund in Maharashtra. The amount has been earmarked for relief and rehabilitation activities in drought-hit parts of the state.

The Sansthan's Chief Executive Officer, Gorakshya Gadilkar, presented the cheque to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The programme was also attended by Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, Water Resources Minister and Guardian Minister of Ahilyanagar district, and Girish Mahajan, Water Resources Minister.

The institution stated that the contribution was made keeping in mind the drought conditions prevailing in various regions of Maharashtra. The money will be routed through the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and used to support drought-affected farmers and essential relief operations in the affected areas.

Beyond its religious role of serving devotees, the Sansthan has also been involved in several social and welfare initiatives. Officials said the Rs 5 crore donation reflects the organisation's social commitment and its tradition of service to the public.

The initiative is viewed as an important contribution to quickening relief efforts and reaching people who are struggling under the drought.

Meanwhile, the state government has decided to extend an advance financial aid of Rs 5,000 to about 1.5 crore drought-affected farmers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to deposit the amount in the farmers' bank accounts this week.

A total of Rs 7,500 crore will be spent on this scheme. The decision was taken at a meeting of the cabinet.