(a) whether the Union Government has formulated any policy for the States in the grip of
famine/drought, particularly Jharkhand;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any proposal for special package is received from the Government of Jharkhand;
and
(d) if so, the action taken by the Union Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a)&(b): The State Governments including Jharkhand have ready availability of funds in
their Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) for taking necessary measures in the wake of natural
calamities including drought, in accordance with the items and norms of expenditure. In
case the funds available in the CRF are not sufficient, the affected States are required
to submit Memorandum for assistance from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF).
(c)&(d): During 2007-08, the Government of Jharkhand have so far not reported any
drought situation or submitted any Memorandum for drought relief.