G.O. Ms. No.6, Declaration of 32 Districts as Drought Affected and Sanction of Relief Assistance
The Tamil Nadu Revenue Department issued Government Order G.O. Ms. No.6, Revenue [DM 3(1)], dated 10 January 2017, declaring all 32 districts of Tamil Nadu severely drought affected and approving relief measures. The declaration took effect on 10 January 2017 and was limited to six months from that date unless revoked earlier by the State Government.
What the government order did
The Tamil Nadu Revenue Department issued Government Order G.O. Ms. No.6, Revenue [DM 3(1)], dated 10 January 2017, after deficient North East Monsoon rainfall and field inspections. Tamil Nadu had received 168.3 mm of rain against an average of 440 mm, while district rainfall deficits ranged from 35 per cent to 81 per cent.
The government reported that 13,305 of the State's 16,682 revenue villages were affected by drought. Sample verification in 1,564 revenue villages indicated that 87 per cent of the crop had been affected.
Who was covered
Government Order G.O. Ms. No.6 covered all 32 districts then listed in the drought declaration, including Chennai and every other district named in the accompanying certificate. District Collectors were authorised to undertake relief measures in the notified areas.
The declaration applied from 10 January 2017 for six months, unless the State Government revoked it earlier.
Main relief measures
The Tamil Nadu Revenue Department approved the following measures:
- Land revenue payable by farmers in every district for Fasli year 1426 was waived.
- Steps were to be taken to convert crop loans obtained by farmers from cooperative and commercial banks into medium term loans.
- District Collectors were instructed to issue the modified Annavari Certificates needed for loan conversion without delay.
- Farmers with crop damage of 33 per cent or more were identified as entitled to crop damage relief under the earlier government order cited in the document.
- Insured farmers could receive compensation ranging from Rs.8,000 to Rs.50,000, depending on crop type, crop loss and district.
- The Agriculture Department was directed to conduct Crop Cutting Experiments promptly to support insurance claims.
- Employment under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme was increased from 100 days to 150 days.
- Drinking water, water conservation, livestock support and assistance for affected rural and urban areas were also approved.
Relevance to landowners and buyers
Government Order G.O. Ms. No.6 provides a specific land revenue waiver for farmers for Fasli year 1426. It does not describe a general waiver for all landowners or set out any change to land ownership, registration or sale procedures.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Was land revenue waived for every landowner in Tamil Nadu?
The document waives land revenue payable by farmers in all districts for Fasli year 1426. It does not state that every category of landowner received the waiver.
Did the drought declaration cover Chennai?
Yes. Chennai is included in the list of all 32 districts declared severely drought affected.
Could a farmer's crop loan be converted into a medium term loan?
The government directed that steps be taken to convert crop loans from cooperative and commercial banks into medium term loans. District Collectors were instructed to issue the required modified Annavari Certificates promptly.
How long did the drought declaration remain effective?
It took effect on 10 January 2017 and was to continue for six months from that date unless revoked earlier by the State Government.
