UP,Bihar not sought funds despite drought-like situation: Govt

The Centre today said states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand have not sought relief funds despite facing a drought-like situation.
"Despite a drought-like situation in states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Jharkhand, they have not informed about the situation to the Centre," the Union Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.
Whereas Karnataka had informed the Centre about the drought situation and accordingly there was no delay in granting Rs 1,541 crore relief package to the state, it added.
Similarly, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh had also sought funds for tackling drought.
"Thereafter, the Centre has sent a team to assess the situation in these states," the statement said.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, total 302 districts are under the grip of drought. As per the Met Department, 18 states are facing drought-like situation.
The Ministry said the Centre can't initiate the process of releasing the relief fund to drought hit states unless the state governments declare drought in their states and seek funds.