Drought-Hit Farmers in Karnataka to Get Rs 2,500 Relief

Karnataka has approved the release of Rs 2,500 for farmers in drought-hit areas, according to an order issued on Thursday. The payment will be the first installment of drought relief for farmers across the state's affected taluks.

The government's move follows a promise made during a special session of the state legislature. The promise was aimed at supporting farmers whose crops suffered due to low rainfall.

When the government first announced the Rs 2,500 payment for every eligible farmer, it faced sharp criticism. Farmers and political leaders said the amount was too low and demanded Rs 25,000 in compensation.

With the criticism continuing, the government has now directed that the relief amount be released.

Out of Karnataka's 240 taluks, 226 have been declared drought-affected. The state has chosen not to wait for funds from the Centre under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Instead, it will use its own State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide the first installment.

Eligible farmers will receive Rs 2,500 as the initial instalment of drought assistance.

The government has made it clear that farmers do not need to submit a separate application. Beneficiaries will be selected directly from the Farmer Registration and Unified Beneficiary Information System software and the kharif crop survey database.

The relief is designed to provide urgent help to farmers who are facing losses from the drought. The amount will be transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system directly into the bank accounts of qualifying beneficiaries.

The step comes at a time when farmers are seeking larger compensation to manage the financial hardship created by the drought.

V. Sunil Kumar, the BJP MLA from Karkala and a former minister in Karnataka, said, "The state government is cruelly mocking farmers struggling with drought by pretending to offer relief. By imposing 17 conditions for a Rs 2,500 compensation, the government has exposed its real attitude toward the farming community."