The government of Maharashtra has opened a dedicated bank account to allow donors to deposit cheques or demand drafts for drought relief directly at banks.

The cheques or demand drafts should to be addressed to Chief Minister's Relief Fund (Drought 2013), State Bank of India (SBI), Fort Branch, account no 32860305777.

Donors can deposit the cheques or demand drafts either at an outlet of SBI or at the office of the deputy commissioner (revenue) at the district collector's office.

If the donor deposits the cheque at an SBI outlet, he/she will get a rough receipt for the donation. He/she can then ask the Chief Minister's accounts officer to send him an original receipt.

The statement released by the Chief Minister's Office also states that district collectors and divisional commissioners would have to make sure cheques and bank drafts reach the cell at the start of every week.

The dedicated bank account has been created in a bid to facilitate donors to make contributions to the Chief Minister's Drought Relief Fund for the year 2013.