K’taka MPs seek more funds for drought relief

A delegation of Karnataka MPs, led by Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers D V Sadananda Gowda, on Monday met Union Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and sought more funds under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to take up relief works in drought-hit areas.

The Karnataka delegation urged the Union minister to grant additional Rs 800 crore to the state, which is reeling under severe drought.

“Tomar has promised to release sufficient funds to the state. The Union minister also said that the pending amount, under the MGNREGS, will be released to the state,” Gowda told reporters here.

The minister further assured the delegation of releasing Rs 716 crore dues under the scheme, in the current fiscal, to the state.