Karnataka: BJP demands White Paper on drought relief
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Accusing the Congress government of failing to come to the rescue of people in drought-hit areas, the Opposition BJP has demanded that a White Paper be released detailing the drought relief measures undertaken by the government, including financial allocations made for the purpose.
Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Sunday, Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok alleged that the government was yet to demonstrate its commitment to drought relief through action, beyond making a few announcements.
“People must know the government’s real financial commitment towards drought relief. The government should release a White Paper containing complete details of the State’s financial situation, dues of various departments and institutions, the government’s debt burden, and the financial impact of the guarantee schemes,” he said.
Referring to the State government’s decision to convene a special legislature session, he said: “Discussion is welcome. But before the discussion, people and farmers must have confidence that the government has the necessary financial resources and that the government machinery is functioning. At the very least, release ₹10 crore each to the drought-hit taluks for providing drinking water.”
“On one hand, the Chief Minister is touring different parts of the State and announcing projects worth thousands of crores. On the other, there is no money for providing immediate relief to drought-affected farmers. This is not a government of development; it is a government of mere announcements without any financial commitment,” he said.
With respect to the Kasturirangan report, Mr. Ashok said: “Conservation of the Western Ghats environment is extremely important. But in the name of environmental protection, excessive restrictions should not be imposed on the lives, agriculture, infrastructure and livelihoods of people in Malnad. There should be a balance between the lives of local people and the environment.”
Recalling the history of the Kasturirangan report process, he said: “During the erstwhile UPA government, after the Gadgil report on the Western Ghats was presented, a high-level working group headed by Kasturirangan was formed. The Kasturirangan committee submitted its report in 2013 when the UPA was in power. Hence, the Congress must first explain its own past stand and decisions to the people before levelling allegations against the BJP.”
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