Siddarth Sethia
*Government Has No Shortage of Funds.
*₹1 Crore for Each Taluk and ₹5 Crore for Each District to Ensure Adequate Drinking-Water Supply.
*Review Meeting on Drought Conditions in Bengaluru Division on July 25.
Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister Dr.G. Parameshwara said that the State Government was fully prepared to manage the drought situation effectively.
“We have already decided to provide ₹1 crore to each MLA. In addition,₹5 crore has been provided to every district to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water.
A total of ₹329 crore is already available in the Personal Deposit (PD) accounts.There is no shortage of funds,”he said.
Speaking to the media near his residence office in Sadashivanagar today, Dr.Parameshwara said that review meetings for the Mysuru and Bengaluru divisions were yet to be held.
The Chief Minister and I will hold a review meeting for the Bengaluru division on July 25.This will be followed by a review meeting in Mysuru.
After these meetings,we will have a complete picture of the situation across the State.We will then hold discussions and decide on the measures required to ensure that farmers and the general public do not face any hardship,”he said.
To prevent people from migrating in search of employment, all Zilla Panchayat CEOs have been instructed to provide work immediately under the VB–G RAM G Scheme.There is no shortage of funds. Officials have been directed to begin the works without delay,”he said.
Dr. Parameshwara said that the State Government had written to the Union Government but had not received any response so far.
They generally expect the formal memorandum in August.Once we submit it,they will release the funds,”he said.
Responding to a media question on whether agricultural activities had begun in the districts he had visited,the Deputy Chief Minister said that farmers had sown seeds following light rainfall during the monsoon.
“However,there was no rain afterwards,and the crops that had been sown have now dried up.There is still hope that farmers may sow again if it rains in August,”he said.
Responding to a question about the protest in Delhi over the NEET question paper leak, Dr.Parameshwara said that the Opposition had sought an opportunity to discuss the issue in Parliament.
“This concerns the future of lakhs of students.Some students secured high marks in the first examination but received lower marks when the examination was conducted again.Lakhs of students have been affected. Those in power must accept responsibility and resign,” he demanded.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded very late by saying that an investigation would be conducted. He has said that he stands with the students.
If that is the case,Dharmendra Pradhan must be removed from office.Action must be taken against those responsible,”he said.
Dr. Parameshwara also condemned the mistreatment of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. “Where is our democratic system heading?.
The Constitution guarantees the right to protest peacefully.What does it mean if those in power refuse to allow even a peaceful protest?”he asked.
Responding to a media question about the protest rallies organised by the Congress and the BJP, he said,“Every action will naturally have a reaction.
They are protesting only because our party workers are protesting.Let them submit a complaint to the Raj Bhavan.We have no objection.”
