124 Maharashtra farmers took their lives in 2016: State to HC

As many as 124 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra since January this year, the state government yesterday informed the Bombay High Court, which asked the Centre what kind of assistance it provides to the state to deal with the grim agrarian crisis

As many as 124 farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra since January this year, the state government yesterday informed the Bombay High Court, which asked the Centre what kind of assistance it provides to the state to deal with the grim agrarian crisis.

Observing that this was a serious issue, a bench headed by Justice Naresh Patil asked the Additional Solicitor General to inform the high court on the next occasion whether the Centre can chip in to provide schemes and financial help to the state to tide over the crisis.

“The figure is very alarming...in a span of one and half months, 124 farmers have killed themselves. We would like to know from the government what steps are being taken to stop this,” said Justice Patil. Advocate General Srihari Aney informed the bench that 124 farmers have taken their lives in the past one-and-half month, of whom 20 cases were reported from Osmanabad alone. The High Court was hearing a suo motu public interest litigation urging to take steps on a war-footing to prevent farmers from committing suicide.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!