Pranab heads GoM to monitor drought in India

NEW DELHI: The government on Thursday constituted an Empowered Group of Ministers, headed by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee, to tackle drought situation in nearly one-fourth of the country.

The term of reference for the EGoM includes assessment and monitoring of the situation arising out of drought and deficient rainfall.

EGoM would take decisions and approve new and innovative schemes, besides examining the existing schemes for suitable modification.

As many as 161 districts out of over 600 have been declared as hit by drought.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, home minister P Chidambaram, railway minister Mamata Banerjee, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and power minister Sushil Shinde are part of the EGoM.

Other members include rural development minister C P Joshi, petroleum minister Murli Deora and urban development minister Jaipal Reddy.