Kadam chalks out relief measures for drought-hit areas

Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Patangrao Kadam Thursday announced ten relief measures for drought-affected areas in the Legislative Council.

Discussion on drought was initiated on Wednesday and continued on Thursday. Kadam said in his reply, "Rescheduling of loans, 33 % rebate in power bill, changes in the criteria for MNREGA works, inclusion of more works in MNREGA, examination fee waiver for students, water supply by tanker and bullock-carts, priority to drinking water supply, no severing of power connection for failure to pay electricity bills, one-year moratorium on repayment of crop loans and relief in land revenue tax to farmers will be the ten measures to help the drought-hit people of the state."

These measures will be applicable to places where an anewari of less than 50 paise has been declared, he said.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan will be making a detailed statement in this regard in both Houses, the minister said.

This is the second consecutive drought year in the state. A senior water shortage is impending in the coming few months. The government will ensure water and fodder for every animal and many fodder camps have already been opened. The Centre has given 571 crore as relief to the state and more is expected in the days to come, Kadam informed the House.

EGS Minister Nitin Raut said, "MNREGA works worth Rs 275 core will be undertaken in the state to help the drought-affected."

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