To find the ground realities and efficacy of drought relief operations, the paper has assessed the quantum adequacy of relief and has studied the procedure of relief disbursement and beneficiary identification, through a survey conducted in a sample village at the border of Rajasthan. The study has revealed that most of the respondents were satisfied with the procedure of relief disbursement. However, the inadequate amount of relief has put a question mark on the method of assessment of loss of crop in the area. The coverage area of relief operations has been found another conflicting point. The study has suggested that relief should be distributed to the victims on the basis of the extent of their sufferings or losses incurred rather than on the considerations of asset holding, as happens in the case of loans or subsidies. The study has suggested some steps to make the relief operations more effective and functional.
