(a) whether some districts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and certain other
States are in the grip of worst drought this year;
(b) if so, the details thereof; State-wise;
(c) whether any Central team has visited the States to assess the drought situation there;
(d) if so, the findings thereof; and
(e) the relief measures extended to the affected States so far, State-wise?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a)&(b): During 2005-06, while Andhra Pradesh reported continuance of drought in 644 mandals,
Jharkhand reported drought in all 22 districts and Rajasthan reported drought in 21 districts in the
respective States.
(c)to(e): In response to the Memoranda for Drought Relief Assistance submitted by Jharkhand and
Rajasthan, Inter-Ministerial Central Teams visited the States for assessment of the situation. The
recommendations of the Central Team and subsequently by the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) was
considered by the High Level committee (HLC), headed by the Union Agriculture Minister, in its meeting
held on 6th February,2006, and the HLC approved assistance as indicated below:-
State NCCF# Foodgrains for Relief Employment (Rs. in crores) (Lakh MTs)
Jharkhand 107.37 0.20 Rajasthan 146.50 2.00
# = Subject to adjustment of balances in the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) of State concerned.