Karnataka: HM Priyank Asks BJP to Press Centre For Relaxation of NDRF Norms
Priyank Kharge informed that the state had already urged the Centre to simplify them.
Kalaburagi: Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday asked the BJP leaders in Karnataka to demand relaxation of the NDRF guidelines if it was serious about securing drought relief for farmers, instead of targeting the Karnataka government over the delay in declaring drought.
Responding to questions on the demand for drought declaration, Kharge said the state had to follow the existing NDRF norms and had already urged the Centre to simplify them.
“We have been asking the Centre to simplify the NDRF guidelines, but there has been no response so far. This is causing injustice to our farmers. If the BJP is concerned about farmers, let it protest against the Centre and demand that the norms be simplified,” he said.
Kharge said the state would continue to monitor the rainfall situation for another two weeks and obtain reports from the districts and then decide on further action.
“We will assess the rainfall situation for another two weeks, obtain reports from the districts and take the next course of action based on the situation,” he said.
He also recalled that the Congress government had waived farmers’ loans during the UPA period and said the Opposition’s protests in Karnataka were unnecessary.
“If they genuinely want justice for farmers, they should take up the issue with the Centre and seek changes in the NDRF guidelines,” Kharge said.
