Shettar to meet PM today over drought funds

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar said on Monday that he would meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday to seek release of more funds from the Centre, in the wake of the severe drought in the State.

He spoke after visiting Siddaganga seer Shivakumara Swami, along with his family members.

Former chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda had taken an all-party delegation to the Centre and had sought Rs 5,000 crore to tackle drought in the State. The Centre, however, sanctioned Rs 286 crore and later granted Rs 70 crore, which is a negligible amount for undertaking drought relief works effectively, Shettar said.

He said a video conferencing was held with all deputy commissioners and CEOs of zilla panchayats on tackling the drought. “Steps have been taken on a war-footing to provide drinking water and fodder to cattle in each taluk.” Rains in the past two days had brought cheers to farmers. A number of problems would be solved if the rains continued, he said.

Shettar, deputy chief ministers K S Eshwarappa and R Ashoka and senior officials will leave for New Delhi at 9.55 am.