Amid widespread drought in Maharashtra, Rs 7.5 crore cleared for youth conclave

The western Indian state of Maharashtra has been hit by an extended period of below‑normal rainfall, leading to a widespread drought that has reduced river flows, depleted groundwater tables and forced many farmers to abandon sowing. Crop losses have risen sharply, especially for rain‑fed staples such as millet and pulses, and the shortage of drinking water has heightened concerns in both rural and urban areas. Relief measures have included water tankers, drought‑relief loans and the activation of the state disaster response plan, but the scale of the problem remains significant.

In response to the crisis, the Maharashtra government cleared a budget of Rs 7.5 crore to host a youth conclave in the coming months. The event is intended to bring together young entrepreneurs, vocational trainers and representatives from industry to discuss opportunities for skill acquisition, start‑up incubation and job creation in sectors less dependent on water, such as information technology, renewable energy and agro‑processing. Organisers say the funding will cover venue costs, speaker fees, travel subsidies for participants from drought‑affected districts and a small grant programme for promising ideas that emerge from the conclave.

For the state's young population, the conclave represents a chance to shift away from agriculture that is currently under stress and to explore alternative livelihoods that can sustain families during the drought. By linking training programmes with local businesses, the initiative hopes to reduce migration to larger cities and to keep economic activity within the region. Observers note that such interventions can complement longer‑term water‑conservation projects, helping Maharashtra to build resilience against future climate shocks.