4,529 villages declared drought-hit
The state government on Monday declared 4,529 villages of the state as drought-hit and partially drought-hit, thereby directing the 13 district collectors concerned to implement drought relief with immediate effect. 

The villages, spread over 83 talukas, comprise 2,703 drought-hit villages and 2,222 partially drought-hit villages.  

According to an official press release, district collectors can undertake drought relief up to Rs 50 lakhs that will be sanctioned by the respective district drought relief committee. The government has also announced a drought relief policy under which those employed in relief works would be entitled to Rs 42 as maximum wage per day.  

Kutch district has been identified as maximum affected with its 899 drought-hit and partially drought-hit villages. Other affected districts include Rajkot with 822 villages, Banaskantha with 742 villages and Jamnagar with 674 villages.  

Also, several villages across Ahmedabad, Anand, Kheda, Junagadh, Patan, Porbandar, Panchmahals, Sabarkantha and Surendranagar districts have been declared drought-hit and partially drought-hit.  

As per the drought relief policy, workers concerned will be entitled to a weekly off.

Republished from The Asian Age