Karnataka Deputy CM rejects BJP allegations over drought relief norms
Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara stated that drought relief guidelines include administrative safeguards to ensure transparency and prevent duplicate payments.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday rejected allegations by Leader of Opposition R Ashoka that drought relief guidelines imposed 17 hurdles on farmers, according to the Deccan Herald.
Parameshwara, who is also the revenue minister, said the provisions serve as administrative safeguards to ensure transparency and stop duplicate payments. He stated that farmers do not need to visit government offices or submit new applications.
The government has integrated the Parihara portal, digital crop survey, revenue records, and the FRUITS database to identify beneficiaries digitally. This system allows for direct transfers to Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, which Parameshwara said is more efficient than manually processing 1.5 crore records.
Addressing the 2-hectare ceiling for input subsidies, the minister said this follows union government SDRF/NDRF norms used since 2005. He clarified that while farmers with more than 2 hectares are not disqualified, the subsidy only applies to that specific area.
The state has declared 226 taluks as drought-affected and announced Rs 1,250 crore in interim relief. Eligible farmers will receive Rs 2,500 starting after Monday.
Under the revised norms, the first tranche includes subsidies of Rs 11,000 per hectare for rainfed crops, Rs 22,000 for irrigated crops, and Rs 30,000 for plantation and perennial crops. Parameshwara urged the Centre to release NDRF funds to facilitate further assistance.