§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will summarise the support they are giving this year to drought affected areas of Rajasthan; and through which organisations. [HL2656]
§ Lord McIntosh of HaringeyThe Department for International Development has already committed nearly £3 million for relief projects in response to the drought which is currently affecting regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India—including Rajasthan. £2 million of this support is being channelled through the World Food Programme for its regional response, and £500,000 through Oxfam for its activities in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Two DFID humanitarian specialists have recently returned from India and we are currently considering a further response in light of their assessments.
In addition, unconnected with the drought situation, DFID has also committed funds for two innovative projects with the Rajasthan Government which aim to promote universal primary education in the state, including areas affected by the current drought.