Drought-hit Bundelkhand: Akhilesh govt announces free food material for 'Antyodaya' families

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced to provide special relief package to drought-affected people in Bundelkhand region every month.

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday announced to provide special relief package to drought-affected people in Bundelkhand region every month. 

The announcement came after Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav undertook a two-day tour of the region that has been reeling under severe drought condition due to deficient rains. 

According to the announcement made by CM Yadav, free ration will be distributed to at least 2.30 lakh 'Antyodaya' card holder families in all seven districts of Bundelkhand every month. Apart from that, Samajwadi Drought Relief Ration Material supply will be in addition to the regular PDS distribution of grains for them. 

CM Yadav, during one of his meetings told reporters that a special grant of Rs 200 crore has been issued for tackling drinking water problems and Rs 40 crore for installation of new handpumps in the region.

The drought-affected Bundelkhand region is spread across 13 districts that falls in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. 

The National Human Rights Commission had recently sought reports from the government of both states in four weeks over the deplorable condition of the inhabitants of the drought hit districts of the Bundelkhand regions, where people are forced to living a miserable life and are starving to death due to the scarcity of food.