Rajasthan seeks Rs 12690-cr from centre

JAIPUR: Finally Rajasthan government has declared 26 districts out of 33 districts as scarcity-hit following the crop assessment report conducted in the last fortnight. Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has demanded the central government an additional financial aid of Rs 12690.99 crore under National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF).

According to the report, over 32000 villages and population of over 4 crore across 26 districts have been badly affected due to insufficient rains. Over 50% of the standing crops have been damaged making lives miserable for farmers. The state government has decided to convert the short-term loans of farmers into long-term loans and postpone the land-revenue recovery in these districts. ���We have asked officials to keep a tight vigil on remaining 7 districts which are not-so-badly affected.

These districts too can fall in the scarcity-hit category if monsoon remains weak,��� Mr Gehlot said. He said that the government would take every possible step to counter drought like situation. ���We will provide additional work to people who have completed their 100-day work under NREGA. The government may open up need based jobs top support the population in affected districts,��� he said. He said that the state government would ensure supply of fodder in this grim situation.

���Last time when the state had faced draught conditions, we had made the arrangement of fodder from neighbouring states. Now that the states like Haryana are also facing the similar crisis. We have to think on alternatives to ensure the supply. It is our duty to save livestock which is the base of our economy,��� he said.