HDK to convene meeting on farmers suicide issue

Bangalore, June 12: Expressing concern over the increase in farmers' suicides, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said he would convene a meeting of representatives of farmers and experts on June 14 to discuss the issue and find ways to put an end to the menace.

Talking to newspersons here, he said the government would chalk out a programme based on the outcome of the meeting, which would be televised on Doordarshan, enabling people across the state to take part in the discussion on phone.

The problem of committing suicide by farmers was not limited to Karnataka alone, and was continuing even in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra even after the announcement of a package by the Prime Minister, he said.

Mr Kumaraswamy said he had already instructed the district authorities to send atleast 25 farmers representatives, besides progressive farmers from their respective districts for the meeting.

Ministers concerned, floor leaders of all political parties and the government officials from Agriculture, Finance and Horticulture departments would participate in the meeting, he said.

Mr Kumaraswamy said he would hold a meeting of agriculture officials this evening to get more details on the suicides in the state.

Regarding the Metro Rail Project, he said the works were going on in full swing and the government had announced rehabilitation Package of Rs 30 crore for the 1,500 families who would lose their houses due to the project. The government would give the market value for their property and six months rent, he added.

UNI