Amit Shah-Led Committee Clears Release Of Rs 3,454 Crore Drought Relief Fund For Karnataka

Amidst a tussle between the Centre and the Karnataka government over delayed funds for drought relief, the Centre has approved the release of Rs 3,454 crore to Karnataka to address its drought relief needs for Kharif 2023.

This decision comes after a high power committee, chaired by Home Minister Amit Shah, gave the green signal for the release of funds, reported Deccan Herald.

Initially, the Karnataka government had requested a substantial amount of Rs 18,174 crore from the Centre to tackle drought-related challenges, including compensation to farmers who suffered crop losses due to inadequate rainfall.

However, the delayed release of funds triggered a war of words between the Centre and the Congress-led state government.

The Karnataka government accused the Centre of neglecting the state's plight, while the Union Government argued that sufficient funds were available in the State Disaster Relief Fund for Karnataka's relief efforts.

Faced with the stalemate, the Karnataka government approached the Supreme Court seeking intervention to expedite the release of funds.

In response to the state's plea, the Centre assured the Supreme Court of a positive decision regarding relief for Karnataka.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Monday (22 April) said the Centre's assurance to the Supreme Court was a victory for the farmers of the state.

"The Centre should immediately release money to farmers of state as compensation for crop loss", Gowda had told reporters.

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