Belagavi, Dec 10 (NationPress) The leader of the opposition, R. Ashoka, has leveled accusations against the Congress-led Karnataka government for not delivering on its promises to North Karnataka. He has called for the government to publish a White Paper that outlines the advancements made on various commitments, such as compensation for farmers and families affected by floods.

During discussions in the Assembly regarding the challenges facing North Karnataka, Ashoka emphasized the necessity for effective leadership to tackle the region's longstanding issues. He claimed that the government has failed to provide compensation to both farmers and those who have lost their homes.

He highlighted that during floods, individuals are forced to stay in relief centers and require immediate financial assistance. Under the previous Congress regime, compensation was delivered nine months post-flood in 2013-14, eight months later in 2014-15, and seven months later in 2015-16.

In stark contrast, the BJP-led administration provided compensation within two months following the floods of August 2019-20, 2021-22, and 2022, and within a month for the 2023 flood. Ashoka criticized the delays, asserting they should not be tolerated.

According to guidelines from the NDRF, Rs 95,000 is allocated for house damage. However, the BJP state government supplemented this with an additional Rs 4 lakh, raising the total compensation to Rs 5 lakh. Ashoka contended that the Congress government is not offering such assistance in North Karnataka and is only providing the central share.

He argued that constructing a house with just Rs 95,000 is unrealistic. The former BJP-led government disbursed Rs 6,651.15 crore in crop damage compensation directly to 51.95 lakh farmers. The Congress government's introduction of the FRUITS software instead of direct benefit transfer has led to a four-month delay in compensation, he criticized.

Between 2014 and 2022, the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided Rs 11,603 crore in relief, while the previous Manmohan Singh government allocated Rs 3,233 crore—four times less, he noted. The previous BJP government did not wait for central assistance and directly released funds from the state treasury. He urged the Congress government to adopt a similar approach.

Over 117 villages in districts such as Kalaburagi, Bidar, Vijayapura, and Yadgir have experienced flooding, with more than 20,000 houses damaged, crops across 14.58 lakh hectares affected, and 2,890 schools suffering damage. While celebrations were held in Mysuru for Dassara, residents of North Karnataka were submerged in water, he remarked.

“While we traveled by car for a visit, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah opted for an aerial survey. He could have met the people directly instead of relying on IAS officers who claim everything is fine. The Chief Minister should have personally visited each village, as officials have provided misleading reports stating there was no flood,” he stated.

“In the state, 41 lakh tonnes of sugarcane are cultivated across 9.81 lakh hectares, with 81 sugar factories reportedly operating at a loss. Applications for 31 new factories have been submitted. There are issues with weighing machines, with only 50% installed correctly.

There is a 6% reduction in machine harvesting. The government needs to revisit older models of RSP and SAP. In Mudhol, a fire incident involving 240 tractors resulted in the loss of 1,033 tonnes of sugarcane. Would such an occurrence have happened had there been a stronger police presence? Tragically, 32 sugarcane farmers have taken their own lives, including Lakkappa Gunakar from Raibag, with no ministerial visits to offer support,” Ashoka concluded.