The government today constituted an Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM), headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, to tackle drought situation in nearly one-fourth of the country.

The term of reference for the EGoM includes assessment and monitoring of the situation arising out of drought and deficient rainfall.

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As many as 161 districts out of over 600 have been declared as hit by drought.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Power Minister Sushil Shinde are part of the EGoM.

Other members include Rural Development Minister C P Joshi, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy.

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