Drought, farm loan relief to be discussed in special Assembly session: DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said the government would discuss measures to help farmers amid drought conditions, including the possibility of loan waivers, in the three-day special Assembly session from September 21.

He also said that bankers had agreed to give farmers one year's time for repayment.

The special Assembly session has been convened to discuss the Kasturirangan report and farmers' issues, with two days earmarked for drought-related discussions, he said.

"Some people have said that loans should be waived. I have to take all of the BJP leaders along and go to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Shivakumar told reporters here.

"We have to discuss it. The bankers also have to speak," he said, adding that the latest drought assessment reports had arrived only recently.

Asked about farmers in Taluks that have not yet been declared drought-hit, Shivakumar said the government would take a decision in the Assembly.

"Once the Assembly has been convened, these things cannot simply be announced elsewhere. They have to be announced in the Assembly," he said.

Farm loan waiver, drought relief to be discussed

On the demand for farm-loan waivers, he compared the situation with debt restructuring and one-time settlements offered to large companies.

"When large companies face difficulties, loans are adjusted, waived or settled through one-time settlements. In the same way, our farmers should also be helped to survive," he said.

Shivakumar said Opposition leaders and legislators should participate in the discussion and offer suggestions on measures to help farmers.

He said this time the session should not be wasted as had happened during the Monsoon session.

The session convened from August 14 to 27 was curtailed by three days owing to the protests inside the Assembly and the legislative council over the induction of B Nagendra in the Cabinet, who is an accused in the Karnataka State Maharshi Valmiki Tribal Development Corporation scam.

Cloud seeding, drinking water issues

On cloud seeding, the CM said the government had already begun the exercise in areas where suitable cloud formations were available.

"The government has now decided to undertake cloud seeding. We have already started it," he said, adding that the exercise began last week and "some results" had been seen. "We are continuing to look for more opportunities and are prepared to undertake it wherever conditions permit," he said.

Shivakumar also said he had taken up the issue of drinking water with Maharashtra over the Bhima river and would speak to the chief ministers of neighbouring states concerned.

The chief minister said the government was preparing a report on the Bhima river issue after legislators raised concerns that the required water was not reaching the region.

Kalyana Karnataka development, UPI charges

On development in Kalyana Karnataka, Shivakumar said the government and the Kalyana Karnataka Regional Development Board (KKRDB) would work together to implement projects.

"All the money of the KKRDB belongs to the government," he said, adding that the government would provide the facilities required for the region's development according to its programmes.

Shivakumar also said the government would soon release a comprehensive list detailing decisions taken at earlier region-wise Cabinet meetings, funds released and the stage of implementation of projects.

On the proposed changes to charges on UPI transactions, the CM said the move would burden ordinary people and traders and called for its withdrawal.

"We will have to protest against this. I condemn it. Starting this new form of pickpocketing against ordinary people is not right," he said.

"They should withdraw it and restore the earlier system. We are demanding this," Shivakumar said, adding that he would raise the issue with the Union ministers.

The CM also said the government was working on measures to increase green cover in Kalyana Karnataka, where reporters cited an estimated 10 per cent green cover across the region.

"That is precisely why we have to increase the green cover," he said, adding that a scheme was being worked out that would provide financial benefits to both farmers and the government.

Shivakumar said the forest department had been asked to examine alternatives to teak after local leaders said the species may not grow well in the region.

"We are also introducing a new model across the state to promote maximum environmental protection and increase tree cover," he said.