Karnataka Can’t Seek Centre’s Compensation for Crop Damage Occurred Before August 31: Minister

Bengaluru: Karnataka has recorded intensive crop damage in 61 taluks following deficient rainfall recorded until August 31 this year. However, the government can’t seek drought relief package from the central government as drought hit 61 taluks recoded sufficient rainfall during the past 40 days.

As per the norms set by the union government, the state can’t claim drought relief package following good rainfall activities recorded during September, 2017 even if it recoded intensive crop damage until August 31 following absence of monsoon showers.

Speaking to media persons after a meeting of subcommittee of council of minister here at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday, state minister for law and parliamentary affair TB Jayachandra said, the meeting decided to collect report on crop damage occurred in drought ridden districts. The minister also said, the government has decided to explain the technical issue to the central government which prevents the state to seek drought relief package.  Until August 31, 2017, 61 taluks of 18 districts in Karnataka were facing acute water scarcity following insufficient monsoon showers.