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Karnataka's legal tussle with the Union government over drought relief has reached a breakthrough as the Centre has agreed to release funds. The decision follows the Supreme Court's intervention prompted by Karnataka's plea, marking a major victory for the state.
Karnataka’s legal tussle with the Union government over drought relief has reached a breakthrough as the Centre has agreed to release funds. The decision follows the Supreme Court’s intervention prompted by Karnataka’s plea, marking a major victory for the state.
The Finance Ministry announced on Friday the sanctioning of financial assistance worth ₹3730.32 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for the fiscal year 2024-25, aimed at addressing natural calamities.
Karnataka’s pursuit of relief began in March, when it approached the Supreme Court to direct the Union government to release funds from the NDRF. The plea, also asserting a violation of fundamental rights under the Constitution, led to the apex court’s intervention.
The approved amount, distributed among the states, prioritizes addressing specific disaster-related challenges. Karnataka is set to receive ₹3498.82 crore for drought relief during the Kharif season of 2023, underscoring the pressing need for assistance in the agricultural sector.
In response to the development, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court while lamenting the insufficiency of the allocated funds. He emphasized the state’s dire need for ₹18,171 crore to effectively tackle the crisis, highlighting the inadequacy of the sanctioned amount.
While the release of funds is a positive development, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda noted that the allocated sum falls significantly short of the state’s requirements. Despite the relief granted, concerns persist regarding the sufficiency of funds to address the extensive impact of drought across Karnataka.
As the state awaits further correspondence from the central government regarding fund disbursement, discussions continue on the necessary steps to secure additional financial assistance. With a proactive approach, Karnataka remains committed to advocating for the interests of its citizens and addressing the challenges posed by natural calamities.
In adherence to electoral protocols, the disbursement of funds will be conducted with strict adherence to guidelines outlined by the Election Commission, ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation process.
