Question : STARVATION POVERTY DUE TO DROUGHT IN A.P.

(a) whether due to drought in Andhra Pradesh, starvation and poverty are ruling roost in rural areas and the agricultural workers are not getting any work for earnings and are starving;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the steps taken by the Government to remedy the situation in the State;

(d) whether the Government propose to sanction schemes for construction of rural roads, digging of tanks and water works for workers under rural development programmes; and

(e) if so, the details thereof; ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI ANNASAHEB M.K. PATIL)

(a) No such report has been received in the Ministry of Rural Development.

(b) & (c) Questions do not arise.

(d) &(e) The Ministry of Rural Development sanctions rural roads, under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), after examining proposals received from the States. Digging of tanks and water related works are allowed under rural development schemes, for which the works do not need the approval of the Ministry.