In a sigh of relief for the states reeling under severe drought, the Centre asked them to utilise 10 per cent of the central funds lying with them for mitigating problems like natural calamity.
Rural Development Minister Birendra Singh told media that the states have been asked to utilise about 170 crore rupees, which is 10 per cent of the 1,700 crore rupees, lying unutilised with them.
He said that the Central government is supporting the drought-hit states with drinking water, fodder or other need in this situation. Mr. Singh said, the Centre has also released over 823 crore rupees to the states for making available the potable water in parched areas.
The Minister said, that the provision of additional employment of 50 days under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme over and above the 100 days have also been extended for this fiscal for the drought-hit states.
