Govt. sets up EGoM to handle challenge posed by drought

New Delhi, Aug.13 (ANI): An Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee was set up by the Centre on Thursday to tackle drought situation in nearly one-fourth of the country.

EgoM includes Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and Power Minister Sushil Shinde.

Other members include Rural Development Minister C P Joshi, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy.

As many as 161 districts out of over 600 have been declared as drought-hit in the country.

The EGoM will take decisions and approve new and innovative schemes, besides examining the existing schemes for suitable modification.

The term of reference for the EGoM includes assessment and monitoring of the situation arising out of drought and deficient rainfall. (ANI)