Bengaluru, Jan 8: The second instalment of flood relief funds from the Centre, announced on Monday, has left BS Yediyurappa less than cheerful, with the chief minister insisting that it is barely adequate. The CM on Tuesday said he will urge the Union government to release more.
On Monday, the Centre announced it will release Rs 669.8 crore in addition to the Rs 1,200 crore it had released earlier towards flood relief and rehabilitation. The total sum is a small fraction of the loss, which the government pegged at a staggering Rs 38,000 crore.
“The Centre has released assistance in two instalments so far, but it is inadequate given the magnitude of the damage. I will request for more funds and I am confident the Centre will oblige,” Yediyurappa told reporters.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the state last week, Yediyurappa had urged him — even openly at a function — to release funds. This followed several pleas over the past four months, which barely drew a response from the Centre. Now, the CM himself suggests it’s barely a drop in the ocean.
The opposition has been criticizing both Yediyurappa and the Centre for their handling of the situation and on Tuesday, leader of the opposition Siddaramaiah of the Congress criticised the CM for “misguiding people” on the sum released by the Centre.
Siddaramaiah tweeted, “Reports from State govt officials say only Rs 669 cr of addl funds are released in 2nd instalment as opposed to the claim of Rs 1,870 cr by Karnataka BJP leaders. At a time when manufacturing industries are closing, BJP’s fake news factory is running at full potential ".
In another tweet, he said, “Moved by the plea of chief minister, Yediyurappa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released an additional Rs 669.8 crore, taking the total amount to Rs 1,869.8 crore. BJP leaders, who are devotees of the god of lies, attempts to depict the total relief amount as 1200+1869.85 = Rs 3,069 cr is ridiculous.”
A high-level committee chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah had sanctioned the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) funds on Monday. While the Press Information Bureau claimed Rs 1,869 crore was approved on Monday, state government officials clarified that the figure included the Rs 1,200 crore released in October.
Meanwhile, sources say the two instalments is all the assistance the state can expect from the Centre towards flood relief. Sources say the Rs 1,870 crore is roughly 60% of the funding — Rs 3,000 cr— which was supposed to be allocated for Karnataka, based on an inter-ministerial team’s assessment of losses in the state.
“Compared to other states for the same period, Karnataka has received the highest amount in flood relief. We cannot expect more,” said a revenue department official, who said the government will not approach the Centre for a special package.
However, revenue minister R Ashoka said the state will pitch for the entire Rs 3,000 crore. “The state government will pursue the matter with the Centre until it releases the entire Rs 3,000 crore. The state government will cover the remainder of the Rs 38,000 crore loss. We will not go back on our word,” Ashoka said. Incidentally, the state has spent about Rs 6,000 crore on relief and rehabilitation so far.
“I will let you know my decision by tomorrow,” Sreesanth said, but declined to give further details.
Comments
He is the right candidate for BJP. They will not get better drama actor than him to cry after losing the seat.
BJP trying to get the sympathy vote on his crying act.
Congress should give ticket to Harbhajan against him.
election fixing again
@ Inocent MOHAN,We all know how Court is working under BJP Govt.Dont be Hyper relax.We dont need court to give the Certificate.God have given enough Knowledge for all of us to Judge a Person or A Group like RSS / BJP Some people like you dont Use.That is
Kallanige Kaala santheye marukatte
when pro pakistani muslim league and isis terrorists can contest election in kerala... why cant a nationalist like sreesanth contest ? haha jihadists predicting his defeat ... same third class people said modi will never win ... but result was different ... meanwhile muslim commentors are tight lipped about their chummah gang sorry muslim terrorists massacred 34 people in bussels ... it proves it is very much clearly mentioned in quran to attack non believers ....
HE IS FRAUD HE MADE INDIAN CRICKET FOR BOKIE.... ''
YA HE IS SUIT FOR NJP ITSELF
He deserves because BJP always favors the CORRUPTED peoples.BJP always look such people..No wonder Srishanth (Legendary Match Fixer} Joining BJP...All the best and get ready to face the DEFEAT.
Add new comment