Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Addresses Floods, Pensions, and Farmer Suicides
Bengaluru, Karnataka – Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that 2,225 villages and over 2 million people in Karnataka are affected by floods and landslides each year. He has instructed officials to identify distressed villages and implement permanent relief measures. Immediate compensation for damaged houses and crops due to rain is mandated as per SDRF norms.
The Chief Minister also addressed the issue of pending pension applications, instructing Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to resolve them within 30 days, down from the current 45 days. He emphasized the need for liberal action in cases of farmer suicides, ensuring families receive compensation without rejections for minor technical reasons.
Siddaramaiah highlighted the high percentage of Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders in Karnataka, which stands at 80%, compared to 40% in Tamil Nadu. He called for the cancellation of ineligible BPL cards and the provision of cards to eligible individuals. The Chief Minister also noted improvements in drought management, with early identification of problematic villages and alternative arrangements made for drinking water.
The state has received 7% more rainfall this monsoon season, leading to the identification of 225 waterlogged villages. Task forces and nodal officers have been appointed in each gram panchayat, and mock drills have been conducted. Compensation for crop and house damage will be provided as per SDRF norms, and precautions are being taken to avoid loss of life.
In addition, Siddaramaiah addressed the issue of pending social security scheme applications, with 3,784 applications currently awaiting settlement. He emphasized the need for swift action to settle these applications and to stop pensions immediately after the death of the pensioner. The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for awareness and confidence-building meetings for farmers.
Finally, Siddaramaiah pointed out the issue of land being registered at prices lower than the guidance value and instructed the collection of outstanding royalty. As of March this year, 24,519 such cases amounting to Rs 310 crore are pending, and swift recovery is required.
