The month of May still being over week away but that did not stor the government from declaring five parched districts – three in Bundelkhand and two in east UP – as drought -hit. Government officials have been directed to provide food grains and basic essentials to the affected families.
The five districts declared drought-hit are: Mahoba, lalitpur and Jhansi (Bundelkhand) and Sonebhadra and Mirzapur (in eastern UP).
Relief Commissioner, Sanjay Kumar said in a statement issued in lucknow on Friday that Antyodaya families would get basic essential food items including 15 kg flour, 25 kg potato, 5 kg pulse, 1 kg iodised salt, 1 kag desi ghee, 3 kg mustard oil and skimmed milk for children.
“These items will be packed in a box and whould be given to affected families. The District Magistrates of these districts should set up a committee to purchase these items and distribute them in a transparent manner,” Kumar said.