Karnataka plans to send all party delegation to Centre on drought

Karnataka government today renewed its demand to the Centre for a Rs 2,000 crore special package for farmers in drought-hit areas.

Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar interacted with the 15-member Central team deputed for an on-the-spot study of the scarcity conditions and detailed the relief measures the state has initiated.

Government has so far spent Rs 2,200 crore on drought relief, Shettar told reporters here.
The state has sought Rs 11,489 crore assistance, but the Centre has provided Rs 700 crore funds in the last two years which the state was entitled under calamity relief.

Shettar said the study team, which visited six severely drought-hit districts, was expected to submit its report in a couple of days and after that he planned to lead an all-party delegation to Delhi to press for immediate assistance.

The situation has slightly improved following rains in some parts, but the scarcity conditions continued, Shettar told the Central team.

Besides Chief Secretary S V Ranganath, top officials of the Revenue department were present during the interaction.

Shettar also apprised the central team of the drought situation that has been battering Karnataka since 2001.