<p>The state government would take a call on announcing some districts as drought-hit in cabinet meeting on August 31.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“The government has directed deputy commissioners to submit reports about floods and drought in their districts. A few districts are facing floods, while a few others have received scanty rainfall. Based on the reports, the government will take a decision on announcing a few districts as drought-hit,” Revenue Minister<br />R V Deshpande told reporters on Thursday after taking a stock of crop failure in the district.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Declaration of districts as drought-hit will be in line with new guidelines issued by the Central government in 2016. The state government will seek the Centre’s assistance after the declaration,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“A few districts in North Karnataka, besides Kolar, Chikkaballapur and Chitradurga face acute rain shortage,” Deshpande said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“The government has released Rs 5 crore to every district and has instructed deputy commissioners to ensure smooth supply of fodder and drinking water,” the minister said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Deshpande chaired a meeting with officers after visiting areas facing scanty rainfall in Bagalkot district.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The officers pointed out that in case of suicide by a farmer, the victim’s wife is eligible for monthly widow pension, besides free education and hostel facility to children, BPL card and compensation amount.</p>.<p class="bodytext">They sought similar benefits to family members of the victims of natural calamities.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Lightning claimed three lives in June. As per guidelines, only compensation can be disbursed and nothing more. Family members of victims of natural calamities need more help,” the minister said.</p>
<p>The state government would take a call on announcing some districts as drought-hit in cabinet meeting on August 31.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“The government has directed deputy commissioners to submit reports about floods and drought in their districts. A few districts are facing floods, while a few others have received scanty rainfall. Based on the reports, the government will take a decision on announcing a few districts as drought-hit,” Revenue Minister<br />R V Deshpande told reporters on Thursday after taking a stock of crop failure in the district.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Declaration of districts as drought-hit will be in line with new guidelines issued by the Central government in 2016. The state government will seek the Centre’s assistance after the declaration,” he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“A few districts in North Karnataka, besides Kolar, Chikkaballapur and Chitradurga face acute rain shortage,” Deshpande said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“The government has released Rs 5 crore to every district and has instructed deputy commissioners to ensure smooth supply of fodder and drinking water,” the minister said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Deshpande chaired a meeting with officers after visiting areas facing scanty rainfall in Bagalkot district.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The officers pointed out that in case of suicide by a farmer, the victim’s wife is eligible for monthly widow pension, besides free education and hostel facility to children, BPL card and compensation amount.</p>.<p class="bodytext">They sought similar benefits to family members of the victims of natural calamities.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“Lightning claimed three lives in June. As per guidelines, only compensation can be disbursed and nothing more. Family members of victims of natural calamities need more help,” the minister said.</p>