Centre to release Rs 88 cr fund for drought in Rayalaseema

The Centre would "immediately" release Rs 88 crore for Andhra Pradesh, in the wake of drought in Rayalaseema region and deput teams for assessing the extent of damage caused due to the calamity.
An official release issued today after Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu met various union ministers to discuss about the plight of farmers and people in the four districts of the drought-stricken region, today said that Rural Development Minister Chowdary Birendra Singh has agreed, at once, to release funds for drinking water supply without insisting on utlilisation certificates, wherein Rs 80 crore will be immediately released.

He also said that Rs 8 crore will be released immediately for fodder supply, the release said, while adding, the minister also responded positively on increasing wage employment under MNREGA.
Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh and Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijuju have informed Naidu that the two ministries would immediately do the needful for sending central teams to Rayalaseema for assessing the drought impact.
Naidu, who met a delegation of farmers from Rayalaseema here, also suggested seven points to the centre for helping those affected by the drought.
Enhancement of wage employment under MNREGA from 100 days to 150 days and immediate dispatch of central teams to drought-hit areas to assess the extent of damage were part of the suggestions, the release said.