-DNA
While all scarcity-affected districts are working toward implementing their contingency plans, the government has indicated that most of the relief work will be carried out under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act).
Also, officials said the number of scarcity-hit talukas is likely to be reduced with the skies finally opening up. Talukas that get more than 150mm average rainfall will be taken off the scarcity-hit list.
“Nearly 70% scarcity-related relief work will be carried out under NREGA. The rest will be carried out by the forest department and village panchayats,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
The relief work includes deepening and de-silting of lakes and other water bodies, construction of roads etc. “The objective is to provide employment to maximum people in places affected by lack of rainfall,” the official said.
The official informed that the state government would bear the expenditure for relief works which do not fall under the NREGA scheme. He also indicated that the state government would seek aid for desert areas.