Bihar government has decided to provide 3,000 rupees as immediate assistance to all the families living in 896 panchayats of 18 districts affected by deficit rainfall or less crop sowing this year.<br />'' <br />'' State Cabinet yesterday sanctioned 900 crore rupees from the Bihar Contingency Fund for this purpose. Principal Secretary Pratyaya Amrit told reporters after the cabinet meeting that the immediate assistance will be given to those 896 panchayats which have recorded more than 30 per cent deficit rainfall or have witnessed less than 70 per cent of Kharif crop sowing. The amount will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of the affected families.<br />''  <br />