The Hindu : Karnataka News : ‘Drought situation not properly managed’ In the legislature

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Thursday, Sep 10, 2009
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Karnataka

‘Drought situation not properly managed’ In the legislature

Special Correspondent

86 taluks have been declared drought-hit
State accused of failing to implement schemes under NREGA

Siddaramaiah

BANGALORE: The Opposition in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday accused the State Government of neglecting farmers by not taking up relief works in drought-hit areas.

Leader of the Opposition Siddaramaiah, who sought to move an adjournment motion seeking discussion on the drought situation in the State, alleged that though 86 taluks had been declared drought-hit, the State Government had not come out with any contingency plan to tackle the situation. He highlighted crop loss in parts of the State and the fodder shortage, and charged the Government with failing to implement schemes under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). The State Government set a target of 72 lakh hectares for sowing in the kharif season.

But sowing had taken place only in 53 lakh hectares. Standing crops on 20 lakh hectares were damaged because of erratic monsoon from July 1 to August 15.

The Government had failed in the management of drought, he alleged and demanded release of funds to the district administration to take up relief works.

Sixty farmers committed suicide in the State in the current financial year and 338 ended their lives in 2008-09, he said.

Noting the funds utilised by Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh governments under NREGA, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the Government should explain to the people the reasons for the low utilisation of funds. Rajasthan utilised Rs. 6,000 crore under NREGA, he said.

The Janata Dal (Secular) Floor Leader H.D. Revanna supported the Congress contention.

Speaker Jagadish Shettar said all issues related to drought would be discussed during the debate on agriculture and rural development. When the Opposition continued its demand for a detailed discussion on the issue, the Speaker said it would be discussed under Rule 69 on Monday.

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