Sonepat, Sept 21: The Haryana government has decided to give compensation at the rate of Rs 2,000 per acre to farmers whose crops have been damaged in the drought.

The state would disburse the compensation to the farmers without waiting for the central assistance, Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala announced at a party convention here last night. He said though the entire state had been declared drought-hit, six of the 19 districts were hit hard.

Chautala claimed his government was strong and would complete its five-year term.

He said Congress would not succeed in dislodging him from power as he enjoyed the confidence of not only his party legislators but those of BJP and independents. The chief minister criticised the opposition, particularly the Congress and the HVP, for not extending creative support and criticising the government policies in an irrational manner.

Bureau Report