No govt jobs for families of wildlife attack victims: Karnataka minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Thursday clarified in the Assembly that there is no provision to offer government jobs to the legal heirs of persons killed in wildlife attacks, as per existing government orders.
Replying to a question by Sringeri MLA T D Rajegowda during Question Hour, the forest, ecology and environment minister said that families of victims of human–wildlife conflict are being provided financial compensation and monthly assistance.
"The earlier compensation of Rs 15 lakh has been increased to Rs 20 lakh from April 2025, and a monthly pension of Rs 4,000 is being given to a family member for five years," he said.
Stating that forest personnel work under challenging conditions round the clock, the minister added, "In case of the death of on-duty staff, the ex gratia amount has been enhanced from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 50 lakh."
Khandre said that the government is taking all possible measures to mitigate human–wildlife conflict, including incidents involving elephants, and emphasised its continued efforts to safeguard both human lives and wildlife.
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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
