JOIN USDrought is for farmers, elected reps ready for tour
Deficit rainfall is not restricted to plateau region alone. It is haunting even the residents of Malnad. Malnad has been receiving average rainfall only for the last two days. The farmers say that the loan waiver announced by the state government is of no use to them.
However, the elected representatives are eager to take part in North India tour. In fact, a proposal has been submitted to the government, seeking special package for the tour.
As many as 15 APMC directors have already completed North India tour and have come back to the district. Another 34 zilla panchayat members are getting ready to fly to North India. A proposal has been submitted to the state government, seeking release of funds for the tour last week, said sources in Zilla Panchayat.Zilla panchayat members can tour to the neighbouring state every year.
A sum of Rs 300 to 350 is given for their tour. Accordingly, they can visit Kerala, Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa. They can complete the tour within Rs three to four lakh. This year, they have demanded permission for North India tour and have sought flight ticket facility. When the state is reeling under drought, the government unlikely to approve the proposal, said sources.
JD(S) District President Devaraj said “it is a tragedy that APMC directors have gone for North India tour when the district is reeling under drought situation. Zilla Panchayat is a local government. Zilla Panchayat members should be with the people and respond to their needs. Zilla Panchayat President should take a delegation to the Chief Minister and pressurise him to release additional grants to take up drinking water projects in the district. The drought relief work should have been carried out on war foot basis. Even the district-in-charge minister has not taken drought issue seriously.”
After APMC, now zilla panchayat members are getting ready to fly to North India. The DCC bank directors have sought Rs 25 lakh for the tour. Now even the taluk panchayat and Gram panchayat members will urge the government to release funds for their tour.