District in-charge minister T B Jayachandra said that only the Cabinet approval is required for releasing compensation to farmers of Sira taluk who have incurred losses due to damage of their crops due to the recent rainstorm.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “As many as 2,659 coconut, 12,267 areca nut and 1,162 other varieties of trees were uprooted. Also, 276 houses were damaged by the rain and wind. In all, a loss of Rs 8 crore has bene incurred, stated a report by the district administration. Under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF), the compensation available will be minimal. Hence, a report has been submitted to the government to treat this as a special case and release higher compensation. The compensation will be released as soon as the Cabinet approval is obtained.”
Farmers have been given temporary relief. There is no provision under the NDRF to provide relief for damaged trees, he said.
It is well known just how much compassion the BJP has for the farmers. If the party has any concern for the farmers, let them get the crop loans availed by farmers from nationalised banks waived off. Let them not shed crocodile tears. I have been in politics for 40 years and I do not need to learn from others, Jayachandra said.
When asked if he would meet BJP leader Sogadu Shivanna who is staging a protest, he told the reporters to go and meet Shivanna on his behalf as the latter was ‘closer’ to the media. However, the minister met Shivanna after the press meet and spoke to him cordially.
The protest staged by farmers in front of the deputy commissioner’s office since Thursday was withdrawn after the minister gave his assurance regarding the compensation.
Published 15 July 2017, 18:26 IST