Business · India Bureau
Karnataka MLA, farmers demand Centre release drought relief funds
An MLA and farmer representatives have protested the central government's alleged failure to disburse ₹22,400.58 crore in drought assistance for 226 taluks across Karnataka. The funds, they say, are critical to support drought-affected communities.
LSN India ·
A Karnataka MLA joined farmers in staging a protest against what they describe as the Centre's failure to release pending drought relief funds for the state. The action highlighted growing frustration over delayed disbursement of ₹22,400.58 crore allocated for 226 drought-hit taluks across the region.
The demonstration underscores the financial strain facing drought-affected communities across Karnataka, where agricultural distress has intensified due to erratic rainfall patterns and depleted water resources. Local officials and farming groups have repeatedly flagged the shortfall in central assistance as a major impediment to providing timely relief to affected rural populations.
The protest comes amid broader concerns over the coordination between state and central authorities on disaster relief disbursement. Officials have indicated that the delayed funds are needed urgently to address crop losses, support livestock farmers, and implement watershed and irrigation rehabilitation programmes in the affected taluks.
The matter has now been escalated, with demands for immediate intervention from the central government to expedite the release of pending assistance and ensure affected communities receive support without further delay.