Bangalore, DHNS: The state cabinet, which met on Thursday, decided to release Rs 40 crore towards drought relief works in the state. RDPR minister Shobha Karandlaje said that against the target of sowing in 74.7 lakh ha in Kharif season sowing had been done only in 19.7 lakh ha. The state had declared 84 taluks as drought-hit in the state. Deputy Commissioner of respective districts have total of Rs 91 crore towards relief works. Additional Rs 40 crore would be released to take relief works in the taluks. She said that the state had appealed to the Centre to release Rs 2,019 crore towards drought relief and Rs 627 crore towards flood relief works. RDPR Minister Shobha Karandlaje said that the cabinet has decided to fill up the vacancies for the posts of cooperation development officer, superintendents, first divisional assistants, senior inspectors and inspectorsby giving promotion to those in service and also fresh recruitment. The cabinet has approved to take up railway bridge work at a cost of Rs 18.19 crore at railway level crossing in Shimoga city.