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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: More Than Just Exercise

Yoga is no longer merely India's cultural heritage; it has become a global movement for health and well-being.

In today's fast-paced world, when stress, depression, anxiety and lifestyle-related diseases are increasing day by day, yoga has emerged not only as a physical practice but also as a path to mental and spiritual well-being.


This year, the 12th International Day of Yoga was observed with the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'. The theme conveys a message that yoga offers a holistic approach to health, balance and self-realisation. Yoga is no longer merely a part of India's cultural heritage. It has gained global acceptance as a comprehensive system for physical and mental well-being. The observance of Yoga Day on June 21 in more than 170 countries demonstrates how yoga has transcended national, cultural and religious boundaries.


The regular practice of yoga disciplines not only the body but also the mind, intellect and spirit. It is a simple yet profound way of maintaining physical health, controlling stress and preserving inner balance.


This ancient Indian knowledge system has established itself as a reliable wellness practice even in the modern scientific era. When the proposal for International Yoga Day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 with the support of 177 countries, it became evident that yoga had evolved into a global movement promoting health and well-being.


Today, yoga represents far more than exercise. It is increasingly viewed as a pathway to a healthy lifestyle, mental stability and spiritual growth.


The practices of yoga postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama) are among the most natural and accessible methods for maintaining physical and mental health. Yoga is not limited to physical postures alone. It is a science of balanced living developed by ancient sages. Modern research increasingly supports its role in stress reduction, blood pressure management, improved respiratory function, stronger immunity and better mental health.


Some commonly practised yoga postures offer a range of physical and mental health benefits. Bhujangasana helps improve lung capacity, strengthen the spine and reduce stress, while Ustrasana supports digestion, heart health and relief from back pain. Sarvangasana promotes better blood circulation and supports thyroid function, whereas Halasana aids digestion, weight management and relaxation. Trikonasana improves balance, immunity and muscle strength, while Tadasana supports posture, digestion and respiratory health. Dhanurasana strengthens the back and abdomen and helps reduce stress, while Padangusthasana promotes relaxation and may contribute to better sleep, blood pressure management and digestive health.


Pranayama, or controlled breathing exercises, is an integral part of yoga and plays an important role in strengthening the respiratory system and promoting mental well-being. Practices such as Anulom-Vilom help maintain mental calm, while Kapalbhati supports blood circulation, nervous system function and respiratory health. Bhastrika strengthens the lungs and heart and helps manage stress, whereas Bhramari promotes relaxation and may help reduce anxiety and insomnia. Ujjayi is known to improve concentration and support cardiovascular health, while Udgeeth helps enhance memory, supports the nervous system and relieves stress. The objective of these practices is to strengthen the body's natural defence mechanisms and improve its ability to resist disease.


During the Covid-19 pandemic, many people turned to yoga for physical and emotional support, highlighting the importance of respiratory health, immunity and mental resilience. For today's younger generation, often caught in a fast-paced lifestyle, yoga offers an opportunity to slow down, reconnect and restore balance.


Yoga gurus often describe yoga not merely as a health practice but as an art of living. It helps establish harmony between the body, mind and spirit while encouraging self-discipline, restraint, tolerance and inner peace.


Modern medical science increasingly acknowledges the benefits of yoga. Countries across America, Europe, Japan and Australia are adopting yoga as a complementary therapeutic practice for conditions such as stress, depression, high blood pressure, asthma, obesity, sleep disorders, thyroid conditions and diabetes. Yoga not only helps prevent disease but also contributes to personal growth and overall well-being.


True peace and balance in society begin with individuals who are calm and balanced within themselves. For this reason, yoga is not merely a personal practice but a positive force for social and global well-being. The need today is to move beyond celebrating yoga on a single day and make it part of everyday life. Regular practice can improve physical health, strengthen mental well-being and help individuals lead more balanced lives.


As the world marks International Yoga Day, the message remains simple: yoga is not just a practice for one day but a lifelong path to health, balance and well-being.


(The writer is an educationist active in the field of teaching for more than 18 years.)

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