Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said a decision would be taken soon on the drought-related assistance demanded by Maharashtra.

"A central team visited Maharashtra after the state sought aid and submitted its report. The high-powered committee comprising Union ministers Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram, myself and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia have seen the report and we would take a final decision soon", Pawar said. At the same time Pawar was critical of Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan for allegedly not doing enough for the drought-prone areas in the state.

Despite the entire state cabinet and machinery camping in New Delhi on Tuesday seeking Rs 2,900 crore in central assistance, no immediate relief for Maharashtra's drought-hit areas seems to be forthcoming.