JOIN USSeveral protests were held in the region on Friday, following the death of two farmers in Mandya district within a span of one week. The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), meanwhile, demanded a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the farmers.
While farmer C Rajendra had hung himself in Chinnenahalli of Srirangapatna taluk on June 19, Ningegowda had allegedly set his sugarcane field on fire and jumped into the flames on Thursday.
Addressing a press meet, district president of the KRRS Borapura Shankaregowda blamed the debts borne by farmers as the cause for farmer suicides in the State.
Both Centre and the State governments are responsible for the crisis faced by farmers. In order to prevent such cases in future, the State government should immediately ensure that dues of the farmers are paid, he said.
Chamarajanagar
KRRS members blamed the unscientific policies implemented by the Centre and State governments as the cause of growing incidents of farmers’ suicide in the State and staged a protest at Chamarajanagar.
They said that both the Centre and State were ‘dead’ for farmers, as they have ignored the problems faced by farmers. They demanded the government to settle all dues and increase support prices.
Malavalli
At Malavalli, members of CPM staged a protest. A rally was taken out as part of the protest and an effigy depicting the politicians were burnt. They demanded the State government to release Rs 10 lakh compensation for the family of the deceased farmer.
Compensation
On Thursday, MLA K S Puttanaiah presented a cheque for Rs 25,000 to the family of Ningegowda, while Deputy Commissioner Dr Ajay Nagabushan, on behalf of the District Administration, presented a cheque for Rs 1 lakh and an additional Rs 20,000 pooled from district and taluk-level officials.
The DC hinted at taking steps to provide self-employment for Ningegowda’s son Eregowda, besides issuing disability honorarium as Eregowda is partially disabled due to a road accident three years ago. He also, said, widow pension would be immediately granted for Nigegowda’s wife Boramma.
On Friday, Ambarish promised to construct a new house for the bereaved family. He said, he would appeal to the chief minister to grant a compensation of Rs 5 lakh. Deve Gowda donated Rs 1 lakh and vowed to clear all debts of the family. Yeddyurappa also donated Rs 25,000.