In a fervent appeal to the Election Commission, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and Congress State President, D K Shivakumar, has urged for immediate action in releasing crucial drought relief funds to address the severe crisis gripping the state.
Highlighting the dire situation, Shivakumar emphasized that 224 out of 236 taluks are currently grappling with drought conditions, severely impacting the lives and livelihoods of Karnataka’s residents.
Drawing attention to recent statements made by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a press conference in Bengaluru, Shivakumar underscored the urgent need for financial support. Sitharaman had acknowledged delays in releasing relief funds, citing the Election Commission’s purported delay in permitting a high-power committee meeting to address the issue.
Disputing the Union Government’s stance, Shivakumar emphasized the state’s entitlement to National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and additional support funds in times of crisis, asserting that legal provisions and election guidelines should not hinder the release of essential relief funds.
In a bid to expedite the process, Shivakumar appealed to the Election Commission to direct the Union Government to convene the high-power committee immediately and release Rs 4,663 crore from the NDRF, along with an additional support fund of Rs 18,171 crore, to address the acute drought situation in Karnataka.
Notably, the Karnataka government had previously petitioned the Government of India for financial assistance, seeking relief funds to mitigate crop losses and provide essential amenities to affected communities and livestock. Additionally, Shivakumar highlighted the state’s approach to the Supreme Court, seeking urgent drought relief funds.
Amidst escalating concerns over the humanitarian crisis, Shivakumar’s appeal underscores the pressing need for swift action to alleviate the suffering of Karnataka’s populace and mitigate the adverse impacts of the ongoing drought.
