State government has taken initiatives to tackle drought situation in Raichur: Ajay Dharam Singh

Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science, and Technology Ajay Dharam Singh announced that the State government has initiated various measures to address the drought situation in Raichur district. During the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Mahatma Gandhi Stadium, Singh personally inspected drought-affected areas following Chief Minister D.K.

Shivakumar's instructions. He witnessed distressed farmers and instructed officials to submit a detailed report for prompt action. The district's Personal Deposit account currently holds ₹4.95 crore for emergency works, and the Chief Minister has allocated ₹100 lakh per taluk to alleviate the drinking water crisis. Singh paid tribute to Indian freedom fighters, emphasizing their sacrifices and urging the youth to understand the nation's history to contribute to its progress.

Despite rainfall deficits, the Agricultural Department supports farmers by providing schemes, benefits, and technical guidance for sowing. Raichur has sown 2.73 lakh hectares, surpassing the target of 5.71 lakh hectares for the kharif season. Beneficiaries have received assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.

The government's five flagship guarantee schemes — Shakti, Anna Bhagya, Yuva Nidhi, Gruha Lakshmi, and Gruha Jyoti — are being implemented, along with developmental works through grants from Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) and the mahanagara palike. Dr. Singh outlined ten flagship programs for implementation within the next 100 days.

He also announced that a State delegation will visit New Delhi to request the Union government to release pending grants for the Kalyana Karnataka region, as Central grants under the Aspirational Districts Programme for Raichur have not been released. Dr. Singh emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for negligence at government hostels and assured farmers that steps are being taken to release 25% mid-term crop loss compensation under the Fasal Bima Yojana.