BENGALURU: The state government on Saturday reiterated that it was being meted out with step-motherly treatment by the Centre in releasing funds for drought relief works. The government also urged the Union ministers from the state to take up the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking to reporters here, Agriculture Minister Krishna Byregowda said the state had not received a single rupee of the Rs 1,540 crore assistance announced by the Centre towards drought relief works last month.
He said the Central team which visited drought-hit districts of the state had recommended Rs2,270 crore assistance to the state. But the Centre announced just Rs 1,540 crore.
Taking objection to the state BJP leaders’ accusation that the state was not seriously pursuing the matter with the Centre, the Minister said Karnataka was the first state to seek help from the Centre and accused BJP of misleading people.
“We submitted the petition in August whereas other states submitted requisition for aid in November and December. After submitting the request, the CM and I met the Union Home, Finance and Agriculture ministers on several occasions. Our officers also visited Delhi more than five times,” he added.
He said he will go to Delhi again on Monday with a request for early release of assistance.
Panel Submits Report to CM
The Agriculture Price Commission on Saturday submitted its first report to the state government proposing remunerative prices for 17 crops including paddy, jowar, ragi, tomato and potato. However, details of the prices for each of these produces have not been made public owing to the code of conduct for the Legislative Council polls. “We will put the details in the public domain on Monday,” panel chief Prakash Kammaradi said.