The ‘Basava Krishi’ award, instituted by the Lingayat Panchamasali Jagadguru Peeth of Kudalasangama, for this year will be conferred on Manik Sarkar, the Chief Minister of Tripura.

The announcement was made by Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swami. The award which consists of Rs one lakh cash and a memento will be given  at a ceremony in March, the Swamiji said.

The award is in appreciation of Sarkar’s tireless service towards the welfare of farmers, labourers and the working class, he added.

The Swamiji also said a meeting has been organised at Sindhudurga in Maharashtra on January 19. The meeting will be attended by chief ministers of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, farmer leaders to resolve the Mahadayi issue peacefully with Dr Rajendra Singh, a water expert from Rajasthan, he added.