K'taka govt. reviews proposals sent to centre under Vidharba package

Bangalore, Jun 27 (UNI) A Cabinet Sub Committee of the Karnataka government today reviewed the proposals under the 'Vidarbha package' and directed the ministers and officials of six districts, covered under the package, to review once a month.

Speaking to newsmen here after the meeting, Public Works and Power Minister H D Revanna said the sub committee also felt the need to urge the centre to increase its share under the package framed by it following large number of suicides by the farmers in different parts of the country due to crop failure. The districts coveredunder the package were Belgaum, Shimoga, Chitradurga, Kodagu, Hassan and Chikmaglur.

Replying to queries he denied there was any delay in sending proposals with regard to irrigation projects under the package and said 10 such proposals out of total 16 had been sent already and the remaining would be sent within a week. The state government had already earmarked Rs 870 crore for the package amounting to Rs 4165 crore in two years. Of this total amount the centre would give only Rs 1208 crore, he pointed out.

He also held a separate meeting to discuss the funding by National Bank for Agriculture Development and stressed the need for NABARD to increase its funding in view of implementation of the package.

He said unless the Centre framed a permanent policy for farmers no package would help them. The centre's role in safeguarding the interests of the farmers was paramount when compared to the states role, he felt.

UNI