Govt to distribute Rs 450 Cr drought relief in 11 districts next week

by news
•
March 8, 2017

Bengaluru: The state government has finally decided to distribute drought relief amount of Rs 450 Crore given by the Centre to farmers in 11 districts of the state during next week, confirmed Revenue Minister Kagodu Thimmappa on March 8.

S M Krishna should be aware politics is not business: Kagodu-1Speaking to media, Thimmappa said, “The state had sought Rs 4782 Crore for drought relief in 160 taluks of 26 districts. The Centre had sanctioned Rs 1782 Crores and released Rs 450 Crore in February. The amount given by the Centre will be distributed among 11 drought affected districts of the state”

“The file pertaining to drought relief is on the Chief Minister’s table for approval. The Deputy Commissioners of 11 districts have identified the beneficiaries and the amount will be transferred to the farmers through RTGS within a week”, confirmed Thimmappa.

Kagodu recalled his meetings on three occasions seeking drought relief with the Union Finance Minister and Agriculture Minister in the company of State Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda.

Farmers in other districts will get their dues on receipt of balance amount from Centre, noted the minister and said the state may have to bear the shortfall of Rs 200 to Rs 300 Crore considering the severity of drought.

The state government has finally decided to distribute the relief amount after keeping it in treasury for over a month. The delay in release of drought relief amount is due to differences between Centre and State, it is reliably learnt.

The Centre had sought clarifications on the amount spent whereas State had termed the relief amount, a pittance considering the severity of the drought in Karnataka, it is gathered.

Media had played a vital role in drawing the attention of the union and state governments to provide drought relief to aggrieved farmers in the state and bury their differences to counter the natural catastrophe of drought.

Rs 1 Crore deposited in DC accounts for drinking water:

Considering the unprecedented drought in the state, the state government had released Rs 1 Crore in each of the district deputy commissioner accounts, Minister Kagodu disclosed.