The Maharashtra government's policy to charge more for water from farmers who have more than two children has come under criticism, yet again.
Activists of the Lokabhimukh Pani Dhoran Sangharsh Manch say the policy is “unjust and discriminatory”.
According to Section 12 (11) of the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Act, farmers with more than two children have to pay 1.5 times the actual price for water. But “industrialists who also use water for livelihood are not charged extra. Why are only farmers targeted?” social activist N. D. Patil asked at a press conference here on Friday.
Mr. Patil said a farmer with more than two children would have to pay Rs. 705 for irrigation of the wheat crop in the rabi season. The Act should be amended for the benefit of farmers, the activists demanded.
