Sources in the PMO said the State would disburse the relief amount directly into the bank accounts of farmers within a week.
It was decided that the U.P. government will forward a memorandum for Rabi 2016 soon and the Ministry will examine the possibility, if an exemption can be given under SDRF on 25 per cent limit and continuation of distribution of food component beyond 90 days.
Contingency plan
The U.P. government, during the meeting, informed that a comprehensive contingency plan to address the drinking water situation in Bundelkhand region especially Mahoba, Chitrakoot and Banda districts of Chitrakoot division are ready and would be soon implemented, said sources.
Centre approved a provision of extending man-days from 100 to 150 under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the Bundelkhand for financial year 2016-17. It was decided that to provide alternate source of income, National Rural Livelihood Mission would be strengthened and intensified and coverage would be extended to all the blocks.
The meeting held to review the drought situation in Bundelkhand, is the first meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had directed a high level review of drought situation in Bundelkhand, Vidharbha and Marathwada.
Water tanks
The government decided that water tanks, building of dug wells, farm ponds would be taken up on priority under various projects and schemes for Bundelkhand. CEO, NITI Aayog, in consultation with State government will explore the possibility of taking up fresh projects for drought proofing from the resources available under the package for Bundelkhand region.
It was also agreed that minimum support price (MSP) for sesame for 2016-17, be announced promptly. A bonus of Rs. 20 for Bundelkhand region over and above the MSP shall also be considered.
It was noted that the coverage of crop insurance scheme in Uttar Pradesh— the State that goes to Assembly polls next year — is between 7 to10 per cent only. However, the coverage in Bundelkhand due to distress situation is around 30 per cent. The State government was asked to ensure maximum coverage of farmers in the recently- launched Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and it was agreed that the State government would hold district-wise camps to ensure that both loanee and non-loanee farmers are covered in a campaign mode, sources said.
The State would disburse the amount into bank accounts of farmers in a week

Source : The Hindu