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Govt releases Rs 2,453 cr for drought relief to states
New Delhi, June 12: Government today released about Rs 2,453 crore to states for drought relief along with 62.93 lakh tonnes of foodgrains free of cost.
New Delhi, June 12: Government today released about Rs 2,453 crore to states for drought relief along with 62.93 lakh tonnes of foodgrains free of cost.
Of the total drought relief, Rs 1,416.98 crore would be allocated to 18 states from the Centre's share in Calamity Relief Fund, while another Rs 1,035.95 crore would be released from the National Calamity Contingent Fund.
In addition, the Finance Ministry announced a slew of other measures to mitigate the hardships of people in drought-hit states.
The other benefits include 62.93 lakh tonnes of foodgrains free of cost under the Sampurna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) to the affected states.
The Centre allocated 30,000 metric tonnes of cattle grade free of cost to Rajasthan and a financial assistance of Rs 11.66 crore to 435 cattle camps in the state.
A scheme for financial support to NGOs for cattle care with outlay of Rs 25 crore was also announced, an official release said.
The Centre would also provide free transportation of fodder and water by rail to the affected states upto June 30.
Additional assistance for drinking water supply is provided to Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh from the accelerated rural water supply programme.
Moreover, a one-time drought relief price of Rs 20 per quintal for paddy, Rs 15 per quintal for bajra and sunflower, and Rs 10 per quintal for soyabean and pulses was also announced.
The Centre also decided to extend the agricultural input subsidy to farmers with land holding upto 2.0 hectares other than that provided to small and marginal farmers.
Bureau Report
In addition, the Finance Ministry announced a slew of other measures to mitigate the hardships of people in drought-hit states.
The other benefits include 62.93 lakh tonnes of foodgrains free of cost under the Sampurna Gramin Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) to the affected states.
The Centre allocated 30,000 metric tonnes of cattle grade free of cost to Rajasthan and a financial assistance of Rs 11.66 crore to 435 cattle camps in the state.
A scheme for financial support to NGOs for cattle care with outlay of Rs 25 crore was also announced, an official release said.
The Centre would also provide free transportation of fodder and water by rail to the affected states upto June 30.
Additional assistance for drinking water supply is provided to Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa and Madhya Pradesh from the accelerated rural water supply programme.
Moreover, a one-time drought relief price of Rs 20 per quintal for paddy, Rs 15 per quintal for bajra and sunflower, and Rs 10 per quintal for soyabean and pulses was also announced.
The Centre also decided to extend the agricultural input subsidy to farmers with land holding upto 2.0 hectares other than that provided to small and marginal farmers.
Bureau Report