Supreme Court says rush aid to drought zones

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Centre and state governments not to hide behind the “smokescreen of lack of funds” and give wide-ranging relief for drought-affected people in 12 states.

These include mid-day meals in the summer vacation, addition of egg or milk to the mid-day meal menu, to universalisation of foodgrain rations and ensure an adequate and timely release of NREGA funds. It ordered implementation of crop loss compensation, agricultural loan restructuring and provision for cattle fodder.

These orders were passed on a petition filed by Swaraj Abhiyan. The court delivered the first part of the judgment on Wednesday, where it laid down new principles for the declaration of drought. The court will monitor the implementation of its orders and review it on August 1.

A bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and N.V. Ramana, while taking food security a step forward, accepted the plea by Swaraj Abhiyan that all those living in drought-affected areas should be entitled to the benefits under the National Food Security Act. This means every household in a drought-hit area will be entitled to 5 kg foodgrain per person per month. The existing distinction of “eligible” and “non-eligible” households will remain suspended.