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By:

Abhijit Mulye

21 August 2024 at 11:29:11 am

Fadnavis writes off Rs 48,000 crore

Mumbai: In a clear indication that the Maharashtra government is leaving no stone unturned to keep the state’s agrarian base happy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has unleashed yet another massive populist measure. Hot on the heels of relaxing the eligibility criteria to ensure a blanket farm loan waiver, the Chief Minister announced a sweeping Rs 48,000 crore waiver on the pending electricity bills of farmers across the state. Addressing a ‘Krutadnyata Sohala’ (gratitude ceremony)...

Fadnavis writes off Rs 48,000 crore

Mumbai: In a clear indication that the Maharashtra government is leaving no stone unturned to keep the state’s agrarian base happy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has unleashed yet another massive populist measure. Hot on the heels of relaxing the eligibility criteria to ensure a blanket farm loan waiver, the Chief Minister announced a sweeping Rs 48,000 crore waiver on the pending electricity bills of farmers across the state. Addressing a ‘Krutadnyata Sohala’ (gratitude ceremony) organized by the BJP Kisan Morcha at Mumbai’s Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan on Wednesday, Fadnavis declared that farmers using agricultural pumps of up to 7.5 horsepower will see their historical electricity dues completely wiped out. The announcement was met with the traditional sounding of the Tutari and thunderous applause from hundreds of farmers who had gathered from every corner of the state. The Chief Minister framed the mega-sop as a necessary step to “wipe the farmers’ slate clean,” enabling them to write a new chapter of prosperity. Calculated Pitch The timing and scale of the announcement underscore a government that is boldly embracing populist economics to solidify its political footprint in rural Maharashtra. While Fadnavis maintained that these decisions were taken purely in the interest of the farmers—pointing out that the original loan waiver was announced when no elections were in sight—the political undertones were unmistakable. Taking a sharp dig at the opposition, the Chief Minister accused rival parties of running “political shops” in the name of farmer agitations without understanding the government’s genuine intent. Asserting his grassroots connection, Fadnavis proudly claimed, “I do not make decisions sitting in my house. I am a farmer myself, a man of the soil.” He openly defended the government’s recent move to strip away the stringent conditions attached to the blanket farm loan waiver, signaling that his administration will not hesitate to clear bureaucratic hurdles if it means putting money directly into the hands of the rural voter. Balancing Sops Even as he rained freebies, the Chief Minister attempted to balance the populist optics with a dose of economic pragmatism. He acknowledged that handing out repeated loan waivers is a symptom of deep-rooted agrarian distress, not a permanent cure. Pointing to the Rs 95,000 crore in aid currently being pumped into the agricultural sector by the state and central governments, Fadnavis outlined his administration’s shift toward an investment-driven agricultural model. He championed the success of schemes like ‘Jalyukt Shivar’ and ‘Magel Tyala Shettale’ (farm ponds on demand), claiming these initiatives have already empowered farmers to harvest multiple crops a year. Addressing the core issue of farming costs, he noted that the government already subsidises power to the tune of Rs 25,000 crore annually. By coupling this with a push for solar pumps and solar agricultural feeders, he promised that 100 percent of the state’s farmers would receive uninterrupted daytime electricity by the end of the year. Infra Dream Looking beyond immediate financial relief, the Chief Minister laid out a grandiose vision to permanently drought-proof Maharashtra’s most vulnerable regions. A staggering Rs 6 lakh crore infrastructure pipeline is being planned to ensure the next generation never witnesses a drought. Fadnavis detailed ambitious river-linking projects, including the Wainganga-Nalganga link, to divert excess floodwaters to parched regions. The state plans to construct 24 new dams and raise the height of 16 existing ones to ensure not a single district in Vidarbha faces water scarcity. Furthermore, massive engineering feats are on the drawing board to divert 200 TMC of floodwater from Western Maharashtra to Marathwada, and lift 275 TMC of wasted water from the Ulhas basin to quench the thirst of North Maharashtra and Marathwada. By marrying immediate, massive debt relief with long-term infrastructure promises, the Fadnavis administration is aggressively cementing its pro-farmer narrative. As the Yashwantrao Chavan auditorium echoed with whistles and cheers, it became highly evident that the government’s strategy of pairing mega populist waivers with big-ticket rural dreams is striking a powerful chord with the state’s agrarian voters.

Yoga for Healthy Ageing: Adding Life to Years

Yoga's greatest strength is its accessibility — it can be adapted to suit every age, ability and stage of life.

Every year, June 21 is celebrated across the globe as the International Day of Yoga. Emerging from India's ancient wisdom, yoga has transcended geographical boundaries and become a universal symbol of health, harmony, and holistic well-being. This year's theme, "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", is both timely and significant. As life expectancy increases worldwide and populations continue to age, the need to ensure not just a longer life but a healthier and more fulfilling one has become a global priority.


Ageing is a natural and inevitable process of life. However, growing older does not necessarily mean declining health, dependence, or reduced quality of life. Healthy ageing refers to maintaining physical, mental, and social well-being while preserving independence, dignity, and a sense of purpose. In this regard, yoga offers a comprehensive and sustainable approach to enhancing the quality of life throughout the ageing process.


Modern lifestyles have led to an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, obesity, and musculoskeletal problems. These conditions are no longer confined to older adults; they increasingly affect younger generations as well. Amid these challenges, yoga stands out not merely as a form of physical exercise but as a holistic lifestyle practice that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit.


Physical Benefits

Regular practice of yoga improves flexibility, strengthens muscles, and enhances joint mobility. It helps maintain balance and coordination, thereby reducing the risk of falls, which are a major concern among older adults. Yoga also supports healthy blood circulation, improves respiratory efficiency, and contributes to the optimal functioning of various bodily systems. Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of yoga on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.


Mental Well-being

The benefits of yoga extend far beyond physical health. In today's fast-paced and demanding world, mental well-being has become equally important. Stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and emotional instability often become more pronounced with age. Through the regular practice of yoga, pranayama, and meditation, individuals can cultivate inner calmness, emotional resilience, and mental clarity. These practices help reduce stress levels, improve concentration, enhance memory, and foster a positive outlook on life.


Pranayama, the yogic science of breath regulation, plays a particularly important role in promoting healthy ageing. Controlled breathing techniques increase oxygen supply to the body, improve lung capacity, and support the efficient functioning of vital organs. Meditation further complements these benefits by quieting the mind, enhancing self-awareness, and nurturing emotional balance. Together, these practices transform ageing from a period of limitation into an opportunity for growth, reflection, and fulfilment.


Lifelong Practice

The foundation of healthy ageing, however, must be laid much earlier in life. The habits we cultivate in our youth significantly influence our well-being in later years. Today's young adults are tomorrow's senior citizens. Therefore, yoga should not be viewed solely as an activity for older people; rather, it is a lifelong practice that benefits individuals at every stage of life. Those who embrace yoga regularly are more likely to remain physically active, mentally stable, and socially engaged as they age.


One of the greatest strengths of yoga lies in its accessibility and adaptability. Regardless of age, fitness level, or physical ability, yoga offers practices that can be modified to suit individual needs. This inclusiveness makes yoga a powerful tool for promoting health and well-being across generations.


India's ancient gift to humanity has today evolved into a global movement for wellness and preventive healthcare. The theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" carries a profound message: while ageing is beyond our control, how we age is largely shaped by the choices we make every day. Yoga empowers individuals to take charge of their health and embrace the ageing process with confidence, vitality, and grace.


Yoga does not merely add years to life; it adds life to years. Beyond the annual observance of International Day of Yoga, the real challenge lies in making yoga a sustained part of everyday life—one that supports healthier, happier, and more dignified ageing for all.


 (The writer is a yoga educator and researcher based in Pune. Views personal.)


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