Central Government Releases Rs 3,400 Crore to Karnataka for Drought Management, State Seeks Additional Assistance

The Central Government informed the Supreme Court on Monday that it has disbursed approximately Rs 3,400 crore to the Karnataka government for drought management in the state. The revelation came during a hearing on a plea filed by Karnataka seeking direction from the Centre to release financial aid from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for drought relief efforts.

During the hearing presided over by a bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, Attorney General R Venkataramani, representing the Centre, disclosed the amount released. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Karnataka, clarified that while Rs 3,450 crore had been disbursed, the state had requested assistance totaling Rs 18,000 crore.

Sibal highlighted that despite the substantial release, the state’s request for additional aid remained unmet. He pointed out discrepancies in addressing claims related to gratuitous relief for families severely affected by drought, emphasizing that this issue was integral to the Government of India’s policy under the National Disaster Management Act.

The plea underscored the urgency of addressing the dire situation in Karnataka, where drought conditions have significantly impacted livelihoods and agricultural activities. Despite the partial disbursement, the state contends that the allocated funds fall short of meeting the comprehensive needs of affected communities.

The Karnataka government’s plea sheds light on the complexities and challenges associated with drought management and relief efforts, particularly in the context of accessing adequate financial assistance from central authorities. As the state grapples with the ongoing crisis, the Supreme Court’s intervention is crucial in ensuring equitable distribution of resources and effective mitigation measures.

The disparity between the requested and disbursed amounts underscores the pressing need for enhanced collaboration and support between the Central Government and states to address the multifaceted challenges posed by drought and other natural disasters. As stakeholders continue to navigate the complexities of disaster management, prioritizing the welfare of affected communities remains paramount.

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