Karnataka seeks Rs 700 crore relief to tackle drought

Gowda said he had recently written to the Centre, apprising it about the drought situation in the state, the crop loss incurred and sought a relief of over Rs 700 crore.

"I have yet to receive a reply in this regard," Gowda said presiding over a function organised by the Dakshina Kannada Gowda Welfare Association. The Chief Minister said the Right to Services Act, to bring in greater accountability among the government officials, will be tabled in the coming Legislature Session.

The Act, which also aims at bringing in transparency in administration, will be placed before the House in the Legislature Session slated to begin in the first week of December, he said.

On the drought prevailing in 90 taluks in the state, Gowda said he was in regular touch with the Deputy Commissioners and taluk officials of these districts to monitor the situation.

He said he had directed the CEOs to visit the taluks and outline the steps that have to be taken to see what relief measures could be provided to the drought-affected farmers. Gowda said he had decided to install cameras in his chamber in the secretariat and also his official residence to dispel any doubt in the minds of the public about his functioning and bring in transparency.

Responding to a question, he said a new Lokayukta will be appointed as soon as possible.