BENGALURU, 12 FEB

Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot on Monday attacked the Centre for not releasing compensation funds for drought-hit Karnataka. He said the State government has submitted memorandums related to drought relief to the Centre seeking financial assistance of Rs 18,171.44 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund for drought relief measures.

“Till now, no amount has been released. The State Government is making all necessary efforts to release drought relief urgently to alleviate the sufferings of the people," he said during his customary address to both Houses of Legislature at the beginning of the Budget session.

He said a large part of the State is facing severe drought conditions, Karnataka has declared drought in 223 taluks out of 240 during Kharif 2023, of which 196 taluks are categorised as severely drought affected. The State government has released Rs 324 crore to 31 districts for immediate drought relief measures like availability of drinking water and fodder.

Response Fund guidelines, the State has disbursed input subsidy of Rs 617 crore to 32.50 lakh drought affected farmers as first instalment of crop damage compensation up to Rs 2,000 as per eligibility, he added.

Speaking on Kannada pride, the Governor said, "survival and growth of Kannada language is a matter of life and death for us. We will not tolerate any attack on our language and culture."

He said the State-Level Single Window Clearance Committee has approved 165 investment projects, wherein Rs 45,325 crore investments will be made; they will create employment opportunities to 42,292 people.

He also pointed out that the government has decided in principle to establish 100 new Village Courts in the state as part of the aim to bring justice to the doorstep of rural people.

The government is devising a new education policy to equip the youth to embrace opportunities and inculcate entrepreneurship, the Governor said.

Further noting that to facilitate regional rapid transit and connectivity in Karnataka, operations of Shivamogga Airport commenced from August 31, 2023, Gehlot said Vijayapura airport will be completed and made operational in 2024. Hassan and Raichur airport construction work will be completed within the stipulated time, he added.

Former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy slammed the Governor and said, “The guarantees announced by Congress have taken over the media. The Governor appreciated the government for launching a guarantee model for the entire state but he did not talk about the people who have not received the schemes,” said JDS leader.

He added, “They have no money to compensate the drought-affected farmers. However, crores of rupees are being spent on providing cabinet ranks to random people. Deputy Chief Minister’s doctor is also getting cabinet rank.” He also attacked the Governor for not talking about the Kantharaju caste report that the government is yet to accept.