Rajasthan Government Announces ₹9,321 Crore Relief Package for Drought-Affected Areas
Significant Relief Measures for Drought-Stricken Regions
Jaipur, November 13: The Rajasthan government has allocated a substantial relief package of ₹9,321 crore to assist areas affected by drought. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma shared this information during a meeting of the Disaster Management, Assistance, and Civil Security Department held at the Chief Minister's office on Friday.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to maintain ongoing oversight of relief operations. He emphasized the importance of regular communication with local administrations in the affected districts to ensure adequate availability of drinking water, irrigation facilities, and fodder for the local populace, farmers, and livestock owners.
Sharma clarified that in districts experiencing below-average rainfall, fodder depots should be systematically managed as needed. Additionally, arrangements for drinking water and fodder for animals should be ensured through gaushalas (cow shelters). He also mentioned that employment and livelihood initiatives should be implemented through the Rural Development Department under schemes like 'VB-Giram-Gi', Rajivika, and housing programs in the impacted areas.
The Chief Minister directed the assessment of losses to Kharif crops based on girdauri (crop loss assessment) and the timely provision of relief to farmers.
According to an official statement, Rajasthan has experienced approximately 20% less rainfall compared to the average annual precipitation during this monsoon season. As a result, 87 tehsils across 15 districts have been declared drought-affected, with 73 tehsils categorized as severely affected and 14 as moderately affected.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister also reviewed the operations of the Rajivika and Dairy Departments. He noted that these departments play a crucial role in enhancing the economic prosperity of rural women and generating local employment. Sharma stressed the need to provide opportunities for production, marketing, branding, and sales to empower rural women.
The government's aim is to provide immediate relief in drought-affected areas while also strengthening long-term livelihood measures to minimize losses for farmers and livestock owners.