Drought Karnataka asks Centre for Rs 22 000 cr seeks appointments with PM Shah

    Bengaluru, Nov 6 (PTI) Karnataka has sought around Rs 22,000 crore in drought relief from the Centre under the NDRF norms, against an estimated total crop loss of Rs 62,000 crore, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara said on Friday.

    The state government has submitted three memoranda to the Centre seeking compensation for drought-related crop losses and has sought appointments with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to present its case personally, he said.

    Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, said the government was prepared to lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi if it granted the appointments.

    "If the appointments are granted, we will go with an all-party delegation. If we are not given time, we have decided to meet the ministers under the leadership of the Chief Minister (D K Shivakumar) and submit our request," he said.

    Clarifying the compensation demand, he said the estimated drought-related crop loss was around Rs 62,000 crore, but the state could not seek the entire amount from the Centre.

    "Based on the National Disaster Response Force guidelines, the state has calculated its eligible requirement and sought around Rs 22,000 crore," he said.

    On relief for drought-hit farmers, Parameshwara said the government had released Rs 1,250 crore towards the first instalment of Rs 2,500 per farmer, which was being transferred directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

    More than three lakh farmers in Yadgir district had already received the relief amount, he said.

    Responding to Opposition criticism that the assistance was inadequate, he said the state government had decided to provide an additional Rs 2,500 per farmer.

    "The CM has agreed to provide an additional Rs 2,500, which will be released within the next one week to 15 days. This will require another Rs 1,250 crore. Thus, each farmer will receive a total relief of Rs 5,000," he said.

    He added that the government's drought response included arrangements for drinking water and other essential works.

    Each Assembly constituency had been allocated Rs 1 crore, while districts had received between Rs 4 crore and Rs 5 crore for drinking water-related measures.

    Asked whether the government would meet the PM during his proposed visit to Karnataka, the Deputy CM said it had sought a separate appointment to discuss the state's drought situation.

    "We expect the PMO to officially give us time. If an appointment is granted in New Delhi, we will go there and explain the drought situation and the need for relief. If we are asked to meet him in Mysuru, we will meet him there and submit our request," he said.

    On the financial implications of recent government decisions, Parameshwara said Karnataka's revenue position was better than that of the previous year, with encouraging collections from commercial taxes, excise, and stamps and registration.

    "This year, the government's revenue position is better than last year. We are receiving good revenue from commercial taxes, excise, stamps and registration. Various measures have been taken only after assessing the state's revenue position," he said.

    Asked about increases in transport fares and the prices of milk and curd, he said the government had to balance the interests of different sections of society, including farmers, sugarcane growers and government employees.

    Around 50 lakh farmers had suffered crop losses across 67 lakh acres due to drought, he said, adding that the government had to weigh the cost of Dearness Allowance and other benefits for lakhs of employees.

    "Decisions are being taken by considering the government's revenue and available resources, while ensuring justice to all sections," he said.

    Criticising the BJP for protesting against price increases, particularly the bus fare hike, Parameshwara said the Opposition should question the repeated hikes in petrol and diesel prices at the national level as well.

    "Petrol and diesel prices have been increased around 14 times since the BJP came to power at the Centre. This directly affects transport costs. Farmers depend on diesel for tractors and various agricultural activities. When fuel prices rise, agricultural costs increase, too," he said.

    These factors were interconnected and should be considered while debating price increases, he added.

    On complaints regarding the suspension of social security pensions, including old-age and disability pensions, Parameshwara said the government had held two to three meetings to address the issue.

    He said the annual income ceiling for pension eligibility had been raised from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1.20 lakh, allowing more beneficiaries to qualify for assistance.

    However, applications had been received from people below the prescribed age of 60 for old-age pensions, he said.

    "Applications have been received even from people aged 40, 30 and 20. Around 23 lakh such applications are being scrutinised, and ineligible applications are being rejected," he said.

    The verification exercise had led to a temporary suspension of pension disbursements for a few days, but payments had since resumed.

    "The issue will be resolved within the next one week to 15 days," he said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)