BANGALORE: The opposition Congress in the Legislative Council staged a walkout on Tuesday claiming that the government’s reply on drought relief measures undertaken in the state was poor.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition Motamma alleged the state government of completely neglected relief measures which resulted in migration of farm labourers. She added that the BJP government was too busy with its internal bickering to even take notice of such issues.
“People are resorting to distress sale of livestock as they are facing severe shortage of fodder,” she said.
Congress members Allama Prabhu Patil, S R Patil, V R Sudarshan; JD(S) leaders M C Nanaiah, M C Neeravari, Krishnappa; and BJP’s Mohan Limbikai and Kota Srinivas Pojari were involved in the discussion that lasted for over three hours.
In reply, Minister for Primary Education Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri denied that the relief measures were affected.
“The state government had released about Rs 301 crore for relief works, including Rs 126.76 crore from the Central Relief Fund.”
He said funds have also been released to tide over the drinking water shortage. Kageri, in a written reply, informed that the total loss suffered by farmers due to shortfall of rain amounts to Rs 4245.84 crore, adding that crops in over 22.56 lakh hectares were lost.
The minister expressed regret at being unable to receive funds from the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF).