From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Mysuru, Aug 28: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Monday, August 28 that a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee will be convened shortly to determine whether drought should be declared in the rain-deficit taluks across the State. The decision reached by the Cabinet sub-committee will subsequently be deliberated upon during the forthcoming State Cabinet meeting.

Addressing the media at the Sarkari Bhavan in Mysuru, the Chief Minister highlighted that the State remains indecisive about implementing cloud seeding to alleviate the situation. Nonetheless, he underscored that there is no conclusive evidence of successful cloud seeding efforts anywhere.

Upon the declaration of drought, the central government will be notified, Siddaramaiah mentioned. He further added that the central government's assistance will be provided in accordance with the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) norms after thorough verification.

In the wake of the drought declaration, initiatives such as employment programs for the affected populace will be initiated in the drought-stricken taluks. Siddaramaiah, who is currently on a three-day tour in Mysuru, will partake in events organized at Sattur Mutt and Siddalingapur tomorrow. Additionally, he will inaugurate the Burns Ward at KR Hospital and launch the Grihalakshmi scheme on August 30.

Reiterating his pre-election promises, the Chief Minister stated that three guarantees have already been implemented, and the fourth one is on the horizon. Anticipating an attendance of over one lakh individuals, he shared that Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader and Congress Chief Mallikarjuna Kharge, along with Rahul Gandhi, will be present at the program. The event will encompass four districts: Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, and Kodagu.

Grihalakshmi stands as the largest program in the country, with an annual expenditure of approximately Rs 32,000 crore and a projected expenditure of Rs 18,000 crore for the current year. Under the program, Rs 2000 will be disbursed to women heading households, extending benefits to 1.33 crore families in the state. This initiative aims to provide families with an additional 4 to 5000 rupees per month, thereby augmenting their purchasing power and fostering financial activities. The resultant increase in purchasing power is expected to spur GDP growth and employment opportunities.

Responding to queries about relocating the program from Belagavi to Mysore, Siddaramaiah affirmed that the guarantee will be implemented across all districts. He clarified that arrangements have been made in Mysuru instead of Belagavi for the execution of the program.