Centre to decide on Karnataka’s plea for drought relief on December 23, says CM Siddaramaiah
The Hindu
During his discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Siddaramaiah said he brought up the issues of Mahadayi, Mekedatu and Upper Bhadra projects. Besides, he urged the Prime Minister to immediately approve the State Government’s request to increase the number of days of work under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) from the existing 100 to 150 per year in view of the drought in Karnataka.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Centre is expected to take a decision on State Government’s plea for financial assistance to tackle the drought situation in Karnataka during a meeting scheduled on December 23.
Speaking to reporters on his arrival in Mysuru on December 22, Mr Siddaramaiah said he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to New Delhi, and explained the drought situation in Karnataka.
Mr Amit Shah is the Chairman of the high-level committee, which is expected to take a decision on Karnataka’s plea for drought relief, he said.
During his discussion with Mr Modi, Mr Siddaramaiah said he brought up the issues of Mahadayi, Mekedatu and Upper Bhadra projects. Besides, he urged the Prime Minister to immediately approve the State Government’s request to increase the number of days of work under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) from the existing 100 to 150 per year in view of the drought in Karnataka.
Mr Modi assured Mr Siddaramaiah that he will speak to Mr Shah and other persons concerned with regard to the State’s request.
To a question on the response of the Central leaders, Mr Siddaramaiah said the response was good, and they heard them out patiently.
Describing the suspension of several MPs in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha over the demand for a statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament as ‘murder of democracy’, Mr Siddaramaiah said the suspension of so many MPs was ‘unprecedented’.
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The High Court of Karnataka on Monday declined to interfere, at present, in the investigation against a Bharatiya Janata Party worker, who is among the accused persons facing charges of circulating obscene clips, related to “morphed” images and videos clips related to Prajwal Revanna, former Hassan MP, in public domain through pen drives and other modes.
The 16th edition of Bhoomi Habba was held on June 8, at the Visthar campus. The festival drew a vibrant crowd who came together to celebrate eco-consciousness through a variety of engaging activities, creative workshops, panel discussions, interactive exhibits and performances, all centered around this year’s theme: “Save Water, Save Lives.”