Drought in Maharashtra: Comparing the 1972 Crisis with the Current Fiscal and Agricultural Reality

Gist Maharashtra is confronting a severe water shortage after just one weak monsoon season, prompting comparisons to the state's historic 1972 drought. However, the current crisis exposes deep systemic vulnerabilities: a staggering state debt, stagnant irrigation infrastructure despite having the most dams in India, and a shift towards competitive populism. For aspirants, this highlights a stark transition in governance, contrasting the bipartisan fiscal prudence that birthed India's first employment guarantee scheme in 1972 with today's heavily politicised and debt-driven disaster management. Background The 1972 Maharashtra drought serves as a historical benchmark for political statesmanship and crisis management. Triggered by three consecutive failed monsoons, it required a unified political response. Initiated by then-Legislative Council Chairman V.S. Page and coordinated by Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik alongside Opposition Leader Krishnarao Dhulap , the legislature unanimously agreed to a tax hike. A 15 paise surcharge per passenger on state transport bus tickets was levied to create a dedicated fund. This fund birthed the pioneering Employment Guarantee Scheme EGS , which has recently been renamed VB-GRAM G Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika…