DK Shivakumar urges EC to direct Centre to release drought relief for Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state president D K Shivakumar has appealed to the Election Commission to direct the Union government to release Rs 4,663 crore from National Disaster Response Fund and additional support fund of Rs 18,171 crore to the state to meet the severe drought situation.
In a letter to the poll panel in the capacity of Congress state president, he pointed out that 224 out of 236 taluks are reeling under drought. He also cited the recent statement of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a press conference in Bengaluru.
Referring to news reports quoting Sitharaman at the press conference, Shivakumar said she stated the Union government had written to the Election Commission on March 28 seeking permission to hold a meeting of the high-power committee to clear several proposals for disaster relief, including drought relief for Karnataka.
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"In her said statement she categorically conceded a delay in releasing drought relief by giving a reason that the Election Commission has not permitted to hold a meeting of the high-power committee. People of Karnataka have been suffering due to lack of adequate relief funds to meet basic requirements like drinking water, fodder, employment and crop loss, etc...," the DCM said.
As a matter of right, the states are entitled for NDRF and other funds from the Union government whenever disaster occurs in the states concerned, he underlined.
According to Shivakumar, even the provisions of law and the model code of conduct for Lok Sabha elections will not come in the way of release of drought relief to the state.
He said the Union Government has wrongly contended that the Election Commission has to permit a meeting of the high-power committee to clear drought relief funds to Karnataka, which is not required in the eyes of law.
"In view of the above facts and circumstances, we appeal to your esteemed commission to direct the Union government to hold the meeting of the high-power committee immediately and to release Rs 4,663 crore from NDRF and additional support fund of Rs 18,171 crore to the state of Karnataka to meet the severe drought situation on a war-footing, in the interest of the people of Karnataka," he said.
He also pointed out that Karnataka had made a representation to the Government of India four months ago to release Rs 4,663 crore and additional Rs 18,171 crore from the NDRF to provide crop loss to farmers and to take appropriate measures to provide basic facilities to the people and for cattle of drought-affected areas of Karnataka.
Shivakumar also highlighted the Karnataka government has approached the Supreme Court seeking drought relief funds for the state.
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13 lakh litres of 'Rail Neer' supplied to train passengers daily: Government
New Delhi (PTI): Approximately 13 lakh litres of packaged drinking water -- 'Rail Neer' -- are being supplied to train passengers across the railway network daily, the government informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Wednesday.
Apprising the Lower House about the Indian Railways' endeavour to provide safe and potable drinking water facilities at all stations, the government also provided zone-wise details of the water vending machines (WVMs) installed there.
"To ensure the quality of drinking water being made available at the railway stations, instructions exist for periodical checking and required corrective action to be taken.
"Regular inspection and maintenance of drinking water facilities is carried out and complaints are attended to promptly," Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while responding to a question raised by BJP MP Anup Sanjay Dhotre seeking to know the supply of drinking water at railway stations across the country
"Complaints regarding deficiency in services, including water supply, are received through various channels such as public complaints, web portals, social media, etc. These complaints are received at various levels, including the Railway Board, zonal railways, division office, etc.," Vaishnaw said.
"The complaints so received are forwarded to the concerned wings of Railways and necessary action is taken to check and address them. As receipt of such complaints and action taken thereon is a continuous and dynamic process, a centralised compendium of these is not maintained," he added.
Providing zone-wise details of water vending machines, the minister said 954 such machines have been installed across railway stations.
"The Indian Railways also provides safe and affordable packaged drinking water bottles -- Rail Neer -- approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) in trains and at stations," Vaishnaw said.
"Approximately, 13 lakh litres of Rail Neer are being supplied per day to the travelling passengers in trains and at stations across the Indian Railways network," he added.
