Maha origin NRI's to set up forum to help drought-hit farmers

Maharashtra Development Forum (MDF), will be formed in New York by a group of NRIs, originally from the state, to assist government to initiate welfare measures for drought-hit farmers and kin of those who have committed suicide.
Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Ranjit Patil, who was in New York recently, said he interacted with about 30 prominent professionals from different sectors hailing from Maharashtra.
The interaction took place at the residence of Consul General of India Dnyaneshwar Mulay.
"They wanted to be part of the development process back home and help drought-hit farmers. But were not sure how to utilise their money. I suggested that they set up a Maharashtra Development Forum and dedicate one day every week to discuss means to raise a corpus fund for welfare measures of farmers," he said.

"I suggested they can adopt families or children of farmers who have committed suicide and fund their education," Patil said.
The minister said the General Administration Department (GAD) has a separate social development desk with a dedicated IAS officer.

"The corpus from NRIs can be routed for farmers welfare through the official machinery. This desk can be trustee of the corpus fund and co-ordinate with MDF," he added.
MDF will comprise experts from various fields who are settled and very successful in the USA for many years.
This group will be recognised as an official channel and source to provide their field expertise to the state government in areas like finance, healthcare, medical and pharmaceutical research, security, architecture, IT, human resource and skill development.

Patil said the Maharashtrian community voluntary came forward to adopt 15 children of farmers who have committed suicide.
MDF will meet regularly via video conferencing with me to firm up their further plan, he added.