Bengaluru, (The Hindu): The state government would take a call on announcing some districts as drought-hit in cabinet meeting on August 31. “The government has directed deputy commissioners to submit reports about floods and drought in their districts.

A few districts are facing floods, while a few others have received scanty rainfall. Based on the reports, the government will take a decision on announcing a few districts as drought-hit,” Revenue Minister R V Deshpande told reporters on Thursday after taking a stock of crop failure in the district. “Declaration of districts as drought-hit will be in line with new guidelines issued by the Central government in 2016.

The state government will seek the Centre’s assistance after the declaration,” he said.

“A few districts in North Karnataka, besides Kolar, Chikkaballapur and Chitradurga face acute rain shortage,” Deshpande said. “The government has released Rs 5 crore to every district and has instructed deputy commissioners to ensure smooth supply of fodder and drinking water,” the minister said.

Deshpande chaired a meeting with officers after visiting areas facing scanty rainfall in Bagalkot district. The officers pointed out that in case of suicide by a farmer, the victim’s wife is eligible for monthly widow pension, besides free education and hostel facility to children, BPL card and compensation amount.

They sought similar benefits to family members of the victims of natural calamities. “Lightning claimed three lives in June. As per guidelines, only compensation can be disbursed and nothing more. Family members of victims of natural calamities need more help,” the minister said.