Karnataka government today renewed its demand to the Centre
for a Rs 2,000 crore special package for farmers in drought-hit areas.Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar interacted with the
15-member Central team deputed for an on-the-spot study of the scarcity
conditions and detailed the relief measures the state has initiated.Government has so far spent Rs 2,200 crore on drought
relief, Shettar told reporters here.The state has sought Rs 11,489 crore assistance, but the
Centre has provided Rs 700 crore funds in the last two years which the state
was entitled under calamity relief.Shettar said the study team, which visited six severely
drought-hit districts, was expected to submit its report in a couple of days
and after that he planned to lead an all-party delegation to Delhi to press for
immediate assistance.The situation has slightly improved following rains in some
parts, but the scarcity conditions continued, Shettar told the Central team.Besides Chief Secretary S V Ranganath, top officials of the
Revenue department were present during the interaction.Shettar also apprised the central team of the drought
situation that has been battering Karnataka since 2001.
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