Rs. 400 cr. given to States for drought relief

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAY 11. More than Rs. 400 crores have been released so far from the Calamity Relief Fund for States suffering from drought. Vulnerable sections like children, pregnant and lactating women, and destitute and infirm people have been given special attention, including payment of cash from the Fund and old-age pension scheme of the Central Government.

This was disclosed to the Drought Management Group headed by the Cabinet Secretary here today when it met to review the drought situation in States.

States suffering from drought conditions have identified at least one reliable source near each habitation or have located some other reliable supply point where no such source exists under a contingency plan of the Central Government. Besides, States have also benefited from the railway's special efforts to transport water, especially to vulnerable areas.

The drought-affected States reported that despite the intensity of the problem, it was under control. These include Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal.

The consensus of the group was that food-for-work programme which generated employment had played a key role in containing hardship among the worst affected people. The programme had resulted in creation of durable assets like village ponds, irrigation tanks, channels and buildings. Foodgrains had been provided as part payment to the workers under this programme. So far, around 12 crore mandays had been created and 2.5 million families had benefited. The Centre had released more than 11 lakh tonnes of foodgrains free of cost to State Governments for this purpose.

With relaxation in norms of schemes for rural water supply by the Department of Drinking Water Supply, substantial fund flows had been ensured to enable States not only to create sources of water but also rejuvenate and strengthen existing ones. The meeting claimed that the fodder position was comfortable and no cattle death had been reported. Railways have also extended help to transport fodder and drinking water free of cost.

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