UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

Consider the following statements regarding drought declaration and relief in India: 1. The national drought framework combines agricultural and hydrological indicators with ground-truthing. 2. A State's declaration of drought automatically entitles it to immediate National Disaster Response Fund assistance. 3. Inter-Ministerial Central Team findings are relevant to assessing requests for additional central support. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1 and 3 only
  3. 2 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

1 and 3 only

Explanation

Drought governance

  • Statement 1 is correct: the framework uses agricultural, hydrological and ground-level evidence.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: a State declaration does not automatically guarantee immediate NDRF release.
  • Statement 3 is correct: the Inter-Ministerial Central Team helps verify damage and relief claims.
  • Thus, only statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Topics: disaster management, drought assessment, indian economy, ndrf and inter-governmental relief