State government seeks drought compensation from Centre

Drought compensation amounting to Rs 18,177.44 crore sought

456 farmers in state have tragically taken their lives due to drought

On Tuesday (December 19), Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parliament, addressing various issues concerning the state.

Among the key subjects raised during the meeting was the outstanding drought compensation requested by the state government from the Centre.

During the interaction, the Chief Minister reminded the Prime Minister of the state’s plea for a drought compensation amounting to Rs 18,177.44 crore, submitted earlier in the year.

In a letter presented to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister emphasized that it has been nearly three months since the initial memorandum submission and two months since the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) conducted field visits. The letter underscored the urgent need to disburse the input subsidy to farmers promptly, given the distress and hardship they are facing due to crop failures.

In October, the state government provided documentation on the severe drought conditions prevailing in 223 out of 236 taluks, seeking compensation under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) due to insufficient rainfall during the monsoon season.

Disturbingly, as per state government data, 456 farmers in Karnataka have tragically taken their lives due to the drought-induced situation and overwhelming debts.