Nanded, October 2026:
Curb coercive loan recovery; take action against violators
Officials and employees should lead by example in water conservation
Review crop loan disbursement regularly
Against the backdrop of a possible drought, the administration must adopt a sensitive approach to water scarcity, Jal Jeevan Mission works, crop loan disbursement, and recovery practices by private moneylenders and microfinance institutions. Officials must ensure that farmers and citizens are not subjected to unnecessary harassment. Coercive recovery practices must be curbed, and the Reserve Bank of India’s guidelines must be strictly followed, Minister of State Meghana Sakore-Bordikar directed.
Sakore-Bordikar holds portfolios related to Public Health and Family Welfare, Water Supply and Sanitation, Energy, and Women and Child Development.
A review meeting on water scarcity and Jal Jeevan Mission works in view of the possible drought situation was held under her chairpersonship at the District Collector’s Office in Nanded. MLA Shrijaya Chavan, Municipal Commissioner Maheshkumar Doiphode, Additional Chief Executive Officer Parikshit Yadav, and Resident Deputy Collector Kiran Ambekar were among those present.
The minister reviewed water supply schemes being implemented by the Zilla Parishad and the Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran under the Jal Jeevan Mission, including projects nearing completion. She directed officials to complete the remaining work within the stipulated deadlines.
She said that a lack of funds must not obstruct essential measures to ensure drinking water availability. Necessary works should be taken up through the District Annual Plan and MLA funds. Departments including Revenue, Water Resources, Police, municipal councils, the municipal corporation and the Zilla Parishad must work in coordination to tackle the possible drought situation.
Officials Told to Lead by Example in Water Conservation
Sakore-Bordikar stressed the need to implement measures such as Jaltara and groundwater recharge effectively to help rainwater percolate into the soil.
She directed the District Collector and officials and employees across all administrative departments to begin water conservation and groundwater recharge measures at their own homes. Such efforts, she said, would help raise public awareness about water conservation.
Officials were also instructed to visit villages and create awareness about various government schemes.
Regular Review of Crop Loan Disbursement
To prevent farmers from facing financial difficulties in the event of drought, the minister said crop loan disbursement must be prioritised.
She directed officials to review crop loan distribution every 10 to 15 days and ensure that eligible farmers receive the maximum possible assistance through loans.
She emphasised that the administration must deal sensitively with key issues, including crop loans, drinking water, fodder for livestock and livestock insurance.
Curb Coercive Recovery; Take Action Against Violators
To prevent coercive recovery by private moneylenders and microfinance institutions, the concerned tehsildars and Block Development Officers were directed to visit local areas, interact with citizens, understand their difficulties and provide the necessary assistance.
The minister described the death of a farmer allegedly linked to pressure over microfinance loan recovery as a serious matter. She directed the concerned agencies to remain vigilant to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Financial institutions must be given strict instructions to comply with the Reserve Bank of India’s guidelines, and officials must ensure that no coercive recovery takes place. She warned that those violating the rules would not be shielded under any circumstances.
Sakore-Bordikar also appealed to all government officers and employees to treat citizens with sensitivity, provide them with emotional support and make every effort to resolve their problems.
During the meeting, departments including Agriculture, Irrigation, Animal Husbandry, municipal corporations, municipal administration, Rural Water Supply and Cooperation presented details of ongoing and pending works, funding requirements and preparations to address the possible drought situation.
Among the officials present were Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Department R. M. Deshmukh, Executive Engineer of the Soil and Water Conservation Department A. S. Kamble, District Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies Shahuraj Hire, District Superintendent Agriculture Officer Dattakumar Kalsait, Joint Commissioner of Municipal Administration Shailesh Fadse, District Deputy Commissioner of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Dr. Sakharam Khune, and District Lead Bank Manager B. G. Sonkamble.
Sub-Divisional Officers, tehsildars and Block Development Officers from across the district participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
