Karnataka - Belgaum   

‘Funds not released for drought relief’

Belgaum: The observers appointed by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee to study drought situation in the district — Manjunath Kunnur, former legislator S.C. Malgi and Belgaum (Rural) District Congress Committee president S.S. Bhimannavar — criticised the State Government for being lackadaisical in its response to drought conditions in four taluks.

Addressing presspersons after holding discussions with the Deputy Commissioner here on Wednesday, Mr. Kunnur said the Government did not conduct a comprehensive study of the drought conditions and prepare estimates of loss until the Prime Minister convened a meeting of Chief Ministers to discuss the situation in different States, in New Delhi on Monday.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa presented a memorandum in a hurry and requested the Union Government to release Rs. 400 crore to take up relief works in the drought-affected areas in the State, they said.

Mr. Kunnur said the Government had not released funds to deal with the calamity, forcing the district administration to utilise funds available with it.

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