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.
Comments
Congratulation Harinath!! all the best for your future plans.
So many rejected votes that means so many elected representatives whichever party they belong not educated enough at least how to vote. One who vote them has to be blamed. what work they can do for the betterment of the society. The majority of the winning candidate to knows raise two fingers only while they win.
jai jai BJP, Congrates Sumithra all the best.
Congratulations & All best wishes to our New Mayor harinath. Let Mangalore develop under your leadership.
Congratulations to deputy Mayor too. jai ho congress.
Look at our Photo obsessed congress leaders of Mangalore namely Bava & Vinayraj. Pushing and posing is their birthright.
Give first priority to invent Cancer (communal riots) treating medicine which is taking lot of innocent lives in Coastal area due to some dangerous virus spreading it. If you succeed in this you will be remembered as a best scientist in the History.
Congratulation......Keep going...All the best.
Congratulations to the newly elected Mayor and Deputy Mayor.
Finally we got a mayor.
Congrats to both of you.
Congratulations on being elected as new Mayor for MCC. Do your best to take this city as the best city in the state.
Hope new mayor won't use dhow as done by earlier mayor during flood..as a joyride..!!
Congratulations harinath, you deserve this after serving long years and we look forward your good works and smiling face.
Next What????? making money ya making developments?????
Congratulations Mayor and Deputy Mayor. God bless you both and all the best
Congratulations harinath, I am sure you will work for the development of Mangalore, specially on drainage and drinking water. May God be with you and grant you good health to work for the welfare of the people.
All credit goes to Khader, Lobo, Raikulu.....Congis worried about vote bank as all states are sweept by BJP and they are looking to retain Karnataka with the help of Minorities!
This is your mission to serve the city without looking your pocket, but serve the city with selflessness.to maintain safety in the region......don't look for the party and religion but serve as human.All the best
Please work enthusiastically, united, share each other, bring amicable solution for the problems,include innovative practices, future plans, keep vision Goal and mission.
Unnecessary Politics. Groupism should be banned. It is very unhealthy in the community.
Election is over. Sink your differences. All the members have the mandate to work together as a NEW TEAM to the steady growth of the MCC at the out set of the financial 'crisis. I wish all the best to the new mayor
All the best to the newly elected mayor of MCC. Hearty congratulations to all,
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