Karnataka BJP Calls for Immediate Release of Rs 622 Crore Milk Subsidy for Farmers

Bengaluru, Dec 30 (NationPress) The BJP in Karnataka has criticized the Congress-led state administration regarding the overdue payments of more than Rs 622 crore to farmers, insisting on immediate action to settle these debts.

BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra stated on Monday, 'Since June, the Karnataka government under Congress has not disbursed milk subsidies totaling a staggering Rs 622.54 crore, showcasing its lack of concern for the welfare of farmers.'

This delay highlights the government's disregard for the backbone of our society—the agricultural sector, he asserted.

'While the CM Siddaramaiah-led Congress government seems eager to increase prices, which affects everyday families, it has demonstrated minimal commitment to settling what it owes to farmers. The government's hesitation in distributing subsidies adversely affects both dairy farmers and those reliant on livestock farming, exacerbating the challenges they face in sustaining their livelihoods. Such negligence towards farmers undermines the government’s moral authority to remain in power. By overlooking the needs of dairy farmers who depend on milk production for their survival, the administration has failed to make a meaningful contribution to their advancement or that of the larger farming community,' he remarked.

'I strongly urge the swift release of the outstanding milk subsidy to assist the thousands of farmers who rely on this support for their livelihoods,' Vijayendra demanded.

The government provides a Rs 5 subsidy for each liter of milk. From June to October, the government has not disbursed Rs 606.69 crore owed to farmers in the general category. Additionally, for farmers from Scheduled Castes, the government owes Rs 6.85 crore for October and Rs 9 crore for September.

Official data indicates that more than 8 lakh farmers belong to general categories, over 51,000 are from Scheduled Castes, and more than 31,000 are from Scheduled Tribes.

The farmers most affected by floods and famine in the past year and the current year are increasingly reliant on dairy farming for their livelihoods in the state. The government has pledged in the legislature during the winter session in Belagavi to allocate Rs 200 crore specifically to settle the dues for general category farmers.

Farming organizations have insisted that farmers consistently experience delays in receiving their pending subsidy payments, and it is the government's responsibility to urgently address this issue and release the overdue funds.