O Paneerselvam to send teams to crop failure areas; promises relief

In a statement, Panneerselvam said the high-level teams would visit the drought-hit areas for two days from January 9 and table a detailed report to the government based on which the quantum of compensation would be announced. 

“As per the new guidelines of the Union government, only after an on-thespot assessment of the crop damages in at least 10 per cent of the villages in each district, the state government could announce a district as drought affected,” he said, adding that he has directed collectors of all but Chennai district to personally analyse the situation and submit a report on the status of crops, their losses and the extent of drought situation in the state. 

High-level teams comprising ministers and senior IAS officials would be formed soon to oversee the reports from the district collectors. The Chief Minister has also promised to announce adequate relief based on the report. 

While promising compensation to the farmers, Panneerselvam also announced a free Pongal package to 1.80 crore ration card holders to enable the people of the state celebrate next week’s festival of harvest. The Pongal package would contain one kg rice, sugar, cashew nuts, dry grapes, cardamom, and a sugarcane piece, all ingredients required to cook pongal. The package would also be given to Sri Lankan Tamils families living in refugee camps, Panneerselvam said.