Free ration in districts with dry spell: Azad

Jammu, Jan 9 (UNI) The districts of Jammu and Kashmir where the dry spell had caused maximum damage to the crops will be given a three-month free ration by the state government, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said in the Legislative Assembly here today.

Mr Azad, during the discussion on motion of thanks on the governor's address, said the government has decided to provide free ration for three months to people in the district Doda and some parts of Udhampur and Kathua districts, where the dry spell had caused 80 to 85 per cent damage to the crops.

''Perhaps for the first time in a century, the old district of Doda now comprising three district of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban, suffered a acute dry spell this year, even as other parts in the state had bumper crops, Mr Azad said.

A survey was conducted in the affected areas of these districts and it was reported that 80 to 85 per cent crops have been damaged in the erstwhile Doda district.

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