K'taka to frame new economic policy for farmers: CM

Hassan, Karnataka, Aug 31 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the state government will frame a new economic policy for farmers to improve their standard of life.

Speaking at a function here, he said the new policy would improve the economic condition of the farmers, who were now in a virtual distress situation.

He appealed to the farmers not to resort to extreme steps like suicide, for not being able to repay the loans.

The Chief Minister expressed his displeasure over Hassan district leading in the number of farmer suicides in the state.

Mr Kumaraswamy claimed that his government had initiated several welfare programmes.

While the Congress government provided Rs 22 crore for the welfare of minority communities, the JD(S)-BJP coalition government had given Rs 120 crore for this purpose, he said.

To a question, he said the JD(S) had not taken any decision so far on whether to align with BJP in the coming urban local bodies elections.

UNI