Karnataka lauded for drought relief

BANGALORE: A 12-member Central study team, led by Parvesh Sharma, that visited several drought-hit areas across the state expressed satisfaction at the relief measures undertaken by the state government, said Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda here on Wednesday.Speaking to newsmen after meeting the Central team, the CM said Sharma appreciated the relief measures.He said the team, which had also visited goshalas set up by the government, and anganawadi centres appreciated that midday meal programme was continued even during summer vacation.The team also informed that it had not received any complaints of mass migration of people or flaws in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the CM said.Gowda, however, said the team had suggested the government to improve power supply to rural areas, especially to water supply units.The team members were also satisfied with the functioning of the Public Distribution System in the state.“One of the team members, however, stressed the need to step up measures taken to eradicate malnourishment among the children in certain pockets of the state,” the CM added.The team visited some parts of Chitradurga, Tumkur, Kolar and Chikballapur districts in two days.Gowda said the team would submit its report within a week.Based on the team’s assessment, the Centre would take a decision on sending more assistance.Over 123 taluks in the state were affected in the prevailing drought situation. He added that government had spent over Rs 400 crore since October 2011 for relief works.Gowda said Revenue Department officials were updating the total loss suffered by the state owing to the drought. The loss was expected to cross Rs 6,000 crore.“We will submit a fresh memorandum to the Union Government seeking more financial assistance."