Release Rs 2,000 cr immediately for flood relief: Karnataka
New Delhi, Sep 10: Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday urged the Centre to immediately release Rs 2,000 crore for undertaking flood and other relief work in the state.
The demand made by a state delegation led by Kumaraswamy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi comes in the backdrop of losses of approximate Rs 12,000 crore due to floods in parts of Karnataka in August and drought in other parts.
The delegation met Modi here on Monday and apprised him about the loss of human life, agriculture and infrastructure by torrential rains.
"We told him (Modi) that the flood loss is to the tune of Rs 3,705 crore," Kumaraswamy told reporters after the meeting.
"Also, the state has been witnessing severe drought conditions during the last 13 of the 17 years. As per preliminary estimates, more than 15 lakh hectares of agricultural and horticultural crops have been affected, with a loss of around Rs 8,000 crore."
Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, Revenue Minister R.V. Deshpande and Irrigation Minister D.K. Shivakumar were part of the delegation.
Kumaraswamy told Modi that over half the state's area was facing drought situation this year due to weak monsoon while uneven distribution of rain was recorded over the north and south interior Karnataka.
Deshpande said that crop on 23,123 hectares was affected due to floods, leading to losses totalling Rs 1,242 crore.
"There has been a dry spell in September and if it continues there will be 50 per cent crop loss. As many as 67 people have lost lives in the floods," Deshpande said, adding Modi promised immediate financial assistance.
"We look forward to the central government for liberal assistance."
He said the rainfall in coffee-producing Kodagu district was the highest in 118 years, which not only damaged crop but infrastructure as well and rendered scores homeless.
According to the Karnataka government's assessment, the damage to infrastructure was pegged at Rs 1,789 crore. Last month, Kumaraswamy met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and sought special central package of Rs 2,000 crore.
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Cabinet reshuffle is CM's prerogative in consultation with Cong high command: G Parameshwara
Bengaluru(PTI): Amid speculation that a cabinet reshuffle was on the cards, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Wednesday said it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister and he would take a decision in consultation with the state Congress President and the high command.
Deputy CM and state Congress chief D K Shivakumar's statement on Tuesday indicating the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle in the days ahead, noting that few Ministers have been given a "message" about their term, has further fueled the speculations about the rejig.
"I don't know about it. Cabinet reshuffle is the Chief Minister's prerogative. He will consult the Pradesh Congress Committee President and go about it, this has been the practice. I don't know what decisions they make. It has to be done in consultation with the high command," Parameshwara told reporters.
To a question on Shivakumar's statement, he said, "He (Shivakumar) is the party state President, I don't know what messages he has sent (to some Ministers)."
Speculations are rife about a cabinet reshuffle and evaluation of the performance of the Ministers ever since the Lok Sabha poll results. There has also been demand from a section of MLAs, who are Ministerial aspirants, to be inducted into the cabinet. Some have openly expressed their wish to become Ministers.
To a question on a seer's comments that the voting rights of Muslims should be revoked, the Home Minister said, making remarks contrary to the Constitution is not right, and no one should speak or go against it.
"Probably he (seer) has not properly seen the principles of the Constitution and the rights and opportunities provided in it for every community and religion. It is clear in the Constitution," he said.
Asked about Congress MLA H R Gaviyappa publicly asking the CM to drop at least two of the five ‘guarantee’ schemes to provide money for development works, the state Home Minister said, "Any legislator asking for funds to his constituency is not wrong, so Gaviyappa is not wrong in asking for funds for his constituency."
"But unfortunately he has expressed his personal opinion regarding the guarantee schemes. That has been taken by the party and the government. We had promised the people of the state that we will full the promises, so we are implementing them. We cannot go back on that," he added.
Deputy CM Shivakumar had on Tuesday said he would issue a showcause notice to Gaviyappa and warned party leaders against making such statements regarding guarantee schemes.
Responding to a question on an Assamese girl found murdered at a serviced apartment in east Bengaluru, Parameshwra said such incidents in a way bring bad name to the city.
"It (alleged murder) is on very personal grounds. Both of them (suspect and victim) knew each other and were in love. They had stayed in a hotel room and he has stabbed her there. Both of them are outsiders. She is from Assam and he is from Kerala. Police keep watch on such things, but when such incidents occur, it in a way brings a bad name to the city," he said.
Asked about the suicide of a woman, who is a suspect in the alleged scam in Karnataka Bhovi Development Corporation, the Minister said investigation is on, can't say anything further until the probe is over.
On the protest by prisoners against the jail authorities at Kalaburagi central prison, alleging lack of facilities there, Parameshwara said he will speak to DG (Director General) Prisons about it.
"Already we have reviewed all the jails. If there are any necessities there it will be fulfilled. I will give instructions to the DG," he said.
