Centre sets up National Rainfed Authority

New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today cleared the proposal to set up a National Rainfed Authority for sustainable and holistic development of rainfed and dryland areas in the country.

''It will ensure convergence and synergy among numerous ongoing programmes,'' Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi said after the meeting.

He said the cabinet also gave its approval for the dissolution of the Governing Council of the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO).

Mr Dasmunsi said the National Statistical Commission, on its operationalisation as the apex body, would regulate the entire statistical system, including that of NSSO which was hitherto being performed by the Governing Council, which will render the council funtionally redundant.

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