Congress wants MNREGA, food security in all drought-hit villages

The Congress on Wednesday demanded that MNREGA and the National Food Security Act must be implemented in all the three lakh villages of the country which have been affected by drought.

"A grave agrarian and drinking water crisis plagues nearly 40 percent of India's population today. Over 33 crore people in 2,55,000 villages in 10 states of India are reeling under severe drought," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told mediapersons.

"If we add the states of Bihar, Uttarakhand and Gujarat, which are also facing drought like conditions, India's population affected by agrarian and water crisis is nearly 48.27 crore in 3,00,000 villages encompassing 300 districts i.e. almost 50 percent of India's 6,38,000 villages and 688 districts," he added.

In view of the situation, the Congress demanded that MNREGA and National Food Security Act must be implemented in all the affected villages.

"MNREGA work should be immediately made available in all the 3,00,000 villages spreading over 300 districts and 13 states of the country. National Food Security Act should be implemented without delay by central/state governments in all the 13 states with the government providing the necessary provision including providing foodgrains," said Surjewala.

"Special provision for mid-day scheme and meals for children in anganwadis must be ensured," he added.

--IANS

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