Karantaka CM meets PM; demands release of funds from Centre

Agencies

March 9, 2019

New Delhi, Mar 9: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday and appealed for the release of pending funds under National Distar Relief Funds (NDRF) and MGNREGA for drought mitigation and wage component and material component to the state.

The state faced floods and landslides due to monsoon fury in Kodagu, Malnad and coastal districts on one hand and on the other prolonged dry spells and deficit rainfall caused severe drought in 100 talukas out of 176 talukas in 2018-2019.

Against the memorandum seeking financial assistance of Rs. 2434 crore as per NDRF norms, central assistance of Rs. 949.49 crore was approved, which is less than 50 per cent of the input subsidy claim by the state, the CM said in a memorandum submitted to the PM.

During the Rabi season, there was only 96 mm rainfall against 188 mm and North interior Karnataka had 66 per cent rain deficit. Out of 176 talukas, 156 have been declared drought affected. Out of this, 107 are severely affected and 49 are moderately affected. Total crop loss during rabi season is estimated at Rs 11,384.47 crore.

Crop loss during Khariff and Rabi altogether is Rs 32,335 crore which has had an adverse effect on the State’s economy, he said.

The Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister to release these funds immediately so that the state can make further wage payments.

He also appealed to the PM to expedite the process to release Rs. 2064.30 crore as per SDRF/ NDRF norms for drought relief and mitigation.

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PM Modi vows to strengthen India-Maldives ties, inks currency swap deal with President Muizzu

News Network

October 7,2024

New Delhi: Seeking to strengthen bilateral ties, India and the Maldives on Monday inked a currency swap agreement to the tune of $400 million, a move that would help the archipelago nation overcome foreign exchange reserve issues.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also launched Rupay card in the Maldives, inaugurated the new runway at the Hanimadhoo International airport and agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations that had hit a rocky patch last year.

Muizzu, who is on a four-day state visit, held talks with Prime Minister Modi at the Hyderabad House here.

After the talks, India also handed over 700 social housing units to the Maldives built under the EXIM Bank’s buyer’s credit facilities.

"Today, we have inaugurated the redeveloped Hanimaadhoo Airport. Now, the Greater Male Connectivity Project will also be expedited. We will also support the development of a new commercial port in Thilafushi," Modi told reporters here with Muizzu by his side.

Modi said India and Maldives have decided to initiate discussion on the Free Trade Agreement to further strengthen economic ties.

The prime minister described Maldives as a "close friend" which had an important position in India's neighbourhood policy and SAGAR vision.

"India has always fulfilled the responsibilities of a neighbour. Today, we have taken up the vision of a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership to give our mutual cooperation a strategic direction," Modi said.

Earlier, Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan by President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Modi was also present on the occasion.

Muizzu was given a tri-services guard of honour before he drove down the Rajghat to offer his respects at the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office in November.

Muizzu won the presidential election last year on the 'India out' campaign and asked New Delhi to withdraw its military personnel posted in the archipelago nation by May this year.

The bilateral ties also hit a rocky patch when Maldivian ministers were critical of Modi. However, Muizzu has since toned down his anti-India stance and even sacked ministers who were critical of the Indian prime minister.

As the Maldives was grappling with a serious economic downturn, India has decided to extend vital budgetary support to the Maldives government with the rollover of a $50 million Treasury Bill for another year.

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