Bihar government has declared 33 of 38 districts as drought affected. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting in Patna today. Cabinet Secretary Vrajesh Mehrotra said that the state government has initiated several measures such as subsidies on diesel for farmers hit by the drought. He also said that the situation in the remaining 5 districts will be closely monitored.

He said, the district Administration of drought affected districts will be asked to start relief work at the earliest. The government also decided to provide power on a priority basis to farmers for irrigation and create jobs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme to prevent exodus of labour.

Our correspondent adds that more than two third of the state is reeling under drought hit conditions and the state has recorded 25 percent rainfall deficit. Principal Secretary of disaster management department Mr. Vayasji said that the drought situation was alarming with the rainfall deficit badly affecting paddy sowing and transplantation. He said that in 33 districts of the state there was 20 percent rainfall deficit.

Government has decided to postpone recovery of cooperative loans, land rent, cess, irrigation taxes and electricity surcharge related to agriculture for the financial year 2013-14. The state government is likely to demand financial aid from the central government to tide over the problem. In 2010 all 38 districts of the state has been declared drought hit.