Karnataka to expand drought-affected taluks list after ground verification completes

The Karnataka government will expand its list of drought-affected taluks once field verification teams complete a ground-truth assessment report currently under way, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil announced on Sunday.

So far, 101 taluks statewide, including Shahapur in Yadgir district, have been declared drought-hit in the first phase, with additional areas set to be notified in a second round. Dr. Patil made the announcement after laying the foundation stone for an Ayurvedic college in Abbetumkur village, Yadgir district.

Assessment parameters and likely additions

The ongoing ground-truth exercise is evaluating rainfall deficit, prolonged dry spells and crop loss to determine which taluks meet the criteria established by the National Disaster Response Fund and State Disaster Response Fund. "Based on this final verification report, more taluks will be incorporated in the second list," the Minister said.

He noted that the government is closely monitoring conditions in Gurmitkal and Yadgir taluks, both severely affected and likely candidates for inclusion once the assessment report is received.

Minister defends teacher suspensions

Addressing the suspension of two government teachers, Dr. Patil said the action follows civil service rules and administrative regulations that bar public servants from associating with or promoting organizations tied to specific ideologies.

Responding to criticism from Union Minister Pralhad Joshi over the suspensions, the Minister urged the BJP leader to introspect before making accusations, asserting that "the Congress does not believe in or practice vindictive politics". "Our focus remains squarely on development governance," he claimed.

Political sparring over Assembly conduct

Dr. Patil also addressed recent political developments, saying former Minister B. Nagendra resigned voluntarily to avoid embarrassing the party. He accused the BJP of using the issue for political advantage rather than engaging in constructive legislative debate. "The BJP squandered valuable Assembly session time by raising slogans instead of participating in meaningful debates," he said.

MLA Channareddy Patil Tunnur and other officials attended the event.

Source: The Hindu