The Hindu Business Line : AP CM for Delhi today; to seek drought aid

THE Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, will on his visit to New Delhi on Tuesday seek a cash assistance of Rs 1,093 crore from the National Calamity Contingency Fund and 20 lakh tonnes of rice under the SGRY (Special Component) for wage employment, in view of the prevailing drought conditions in the State.

The Chief Minister is also expected to meet key Ministers and discuss the initiatives in the irrigation, power and industry sectors taken up by his Government since May this year during his visit, according to official sources.

Dr Reddy today reviewed the relief activities with the Revenue Minister and senior officials.

According to the officials, a total of 509 lakh people were affected by the drought, including 85 lakh agriculture labour, 16 lakh farmers and 38 lakh marginal farmers.

A total production loss of 14.37 lakh tonnes was estimated valued at Rs 1,044 crore. A fodder deficit of 14.44 lakh tonnes was estimated in Rayalseema and Telangana districts.

The State Government has released Rs 200.49 crore under the Calamity Relief Fund (under drought) during 2004-05 for taking up immediate relief operations.

This includes Rs 20 crore for agriculture input subsidy, Rs 100 crore for rural water supply, Rs 10 crore for urban water supply, Rs 32.40 crore towards six lakh drought pensions etc.

The Government is adopting a new approach of food assurance to poor families in need of employment. Each family would be assured 40 kg of rice and Rs 100 each towards monthly wages during the period when they do not have normal employment avenues. The schemes are being implemented on pilot basis in 94 mandals of scanty rainfall.

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