The Cabinet Secretary took a meeting to review the situation arising out of rain deficiency and drought affected areas of the country. The Chief Secretaries of all the drought affected states participated in the meeting.
The Secretaries of concerned departments and ministries of Government of India viz., Agriculture, Rural Development, Drinking Water, Animal Husbandry, Food & Public Distribution, Water Resources, Home Affairs, Finance and Railways took part in the deliberations.
The Central Drought Relief Commissioner made an overarching presentation to this Committee of Secretaries on rain fall deficiency and Kharif 2015, Rabi 2015-16 and measures being taken to obviate difficulties faced by the farmers in the drought hit states.
The issue of the timely initiative on diesel, seed, horticulture and fodder subsidy relief during drought was reviewed. Other critical issues of providing additional employment of 50 days under MNREGA over and above 100 days, preparation of crop contingency plans for districts facing drought and allocation for drought relief to be provided under RKVY were also discussed.
Consultations were also held with the Chief Secretaries of all the drought affected States. This related to State’s specific problems and requirements, which were duly noted. After this beneficial exchange of views on the specific subjects of drinking water, rural employment, supply of fodder, release of immediate relief assistance, the Union Cabinet Secretary directed the Central Government departments and ministries to take several steps.