India, Nov. 10 -- The state government plans to send a proposal to the Centre seeking special financial assistance for horticulture farmers in Marathwada and western Vidarbha, the areas worst hit by drought. The funds will be used to supply water to fruit orchards through tankers.

The decision was taken on Friday during a meeting called by Employment Guarantee Scheme Minister Bharat Gogawale to discuss drought relief measures.

In the meeting, BJP MLA Suresh Dhas reminded the members that central assistance has a precedent; the Union government provided such relief during the UPA administration. Dhas was an NCP MLA at that time.

Backing up this claim, an official from the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) said that during the 2012 droug...