Crop Insurance Woes Deepen as Karnataka Drought Aid Remains Unpaid

Karnataka's drought-hit farmers are facing mounting difficulties as promised financial support remains undelivered, according to the state's Leader of Opposition, R. Ashok, who on Monday blamed the Congress government for what he called an anti-farmer approach.

Ashok, who is also a senior BJP leader, said that a month after the special assembly session, the state had still not released the Rs 2,500 input subsidy, referred to as drought relief, that was announced for farmers.

He alleged that the Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, had announced significant relief during the session but had failed to ensure that the money reached farmers' accounts.

According to Ashok, the delay has been compounded by a second problem. The state has allegedly not deposited its share of premium under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which has prevented farmers from receiving insurance compensation.

Ashok also cited reports that Dr. G. Parameshwara had voiced dissatisfaction with the finance department over the delay in fund release. He said the government's functioning had come under scrutiny even within its own ranks, with the deputy chief minister and ministers reportedly unhappy.

He asked, "Does a government that cannot pay out money as it announced before 224 elected representatives in the House have the moral right to continue?"

Ashok said the government was sending mixed signals to farmers. It was making promises and claiming credit, he argued, yet citing an empty treasury when those promises needed to be fulfilled.

He demanded that the state release the drought relief without further delay and pay its share of the crop insurance premium. Ashok warned that the political fallout from farmers' anger would be significant and that the Congress government would have to answer for it if it did not act.