Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara on Monday, 5 October 2026, confirmed that three central drought assessment teams are inspecting drought-hit districts across the state between 3 and 6 October, covering 177 taluks declared drought-affected in two phases. The Deputy Chief Minister also warned that the drought could dent Karnataka's GST collections, which have historically ranked second-highest in the country.

Central Teams on the Ground

The central teams have been split into three groups, each covering three to four districts per day. The first phase covers 101 taluks declared drought-hit; the state government has also requested teams to extend their assessment to the remaining 77 taluks declared drought-affected in the second phase.

According to Parameshwara, team members directly interacted with farmers and visited agricultural fields to assess conditions on the ground. District-level officials — deputy commissioners and chief executive officers of zilla panchayats — briefed the teams at each stop.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Parameshwara personally received the central teams and briefed them on the drought situation. 'Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and I received the central teams and briefed them about the drought situation in the state. We also requested them to visit and inspect the remaining 77 taluks declared drought-hit in the second phase,' Parameshwara said.

Scale of Losses and Relief Sought

Karnataka has reported an estimated crop and livelihood loss of approximately ₹46,000 crore across the 177 drought-hit taluks. The state has formally requested central compensation of between ₹10,000 crore and ₹11,000 crore.

The inspection is expected to conclude by 5 or 6 October, following which the teams will submit their report to the Union government. The Centre's decision on compensation will be based on this report. Parameshwara indicated that Chief Minister Shivakumar and he were considering travelling to New Delhi with a delegation when the final memorandum is submitted to press their case for relief.

Drought's Threat to GST Collections

Karnataka consistently ranks second in the country in GST collections. However, Parameshwara flagged that widespread crop failure and its cascading economic impact could reduce the state's GST revenue in the coming months. 'Naturally, GST collections may also decline. Financial experts have already said that this is possible,' he said, adding that the government has kept a necessary buffer and is actively exploring measures to shore up collections.

Notably, this concern was also raised at GST Council meetings, where Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, deputed by the Chief Minister, has presented Karnataka's fiscal position. The state, Parameshwara emphasised, collects GST in full compliance with Union government rules without shortfall or irregularity.

Revenue Department Charges and Land Reform Provisions

On the reported hike in Revenue Department service charges, Parameshwara said the increases were marginal and attributable to rising costs. 'When the cost of living is increasing and the prices of everything are going up, some service charges have naturally been increased to a small extent,' he said. He added that Karnataka needed to strengthen its own revenue base given shortfalls in central transfers.

Separately, on the possible reconsideration of Sections 79A and 79B of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act — provisions removed earlier — Parameshwara said the government had received multiple representations and was examining the matter. If warranted, the issue would be placed before the Cabinet after consultation with the Chief Minister.

Form 7 Misuse Complaint to Election Commission

Parameshwara also addressed a complaint filed with the Election Commission of India over alleged bulk misuse of Form 7 — used for voter deletion applications. He alleged that pre-printed forms with names and voter ID details were being submitted in bulk, with single individuals reportedly filing 100, 200, or even 400 applications.

'Who gave them the data? Where did they get the data from? The names and voter ID details are being written on pre-printed forms and submitted. This is against the law,' he alleged. The state government has submitted evidence to the Election Commission, which has said it will issue notices to the persons concerned before directing the registration of FIRs.

With the central teams' report imminent and a potential Delhi visit by the Chief Minister's delegation on the horizon, the next few weeks will be critical in determining the scale of federal drought relief Karnataka receives.