Earlier in the day, representatives of the agitating farmers and tribals said their 200km 'long march' has been halted for now, but they will resume their walk to Mumbai if the state government does not come out with concrete steps to address their demands
The foot march by thousands of farmers and tribals, which started from Dindori town in Nashik district in North Maharashtra on Sunday last, has reached Vasind town, around 80km from Mumbai
The chief minister informed the House that he had held discussions with a farmers' delegation over 14 points, including forest rights, encroachment of forest land, transfer of land belonging to temple trusts and grazing grounds to cultivators for farming
Appealing to the farmers to withdraw their long march, Shinde said the decisions taken will be implemented immediately. Onion growers, facing losses due to low prices of the commodity and damage to crop by unseasonal rains, will be given Rs 350 per quintal as financial relief, he said
Shinde said a cabinet sub-committee will be set up to monitor appeals and claims related to the demand of forest land up to four hectares in possession of cultivators. The panel will prepare a report in a month. The panel will monitor the pending claims of farmers under the Forest Rights Act
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