Kalburgi (Karnataka), September 17 (IANS) commenting on complaints filed with Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, protesting against the inclusion of Christians under Hindu caste groups in caste survey, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday that Christians and Muslims are also Indian citizens.
CM Siddaramaiah’s statement has assumed importance in BJP’s background that it is encouraging religious conversions through caste census survey.
Speaking to the media in Kalburagi on Wednesday, CM Siddaramaiah said, “The government has appointed 1.75 lakh teachers for the caste survey. From 22 September to 7 October, they will collect information to visit each house in the state. This time 40,000 more teachers have been deployed compared to the final survey.”
Reacting to the BJP’s objections to the inclusion of the ‘atheist’ column in the caste survey, CM Siddaramaiah said, “The BJP is politicizing the matter. It has been 78 years of independence, and the government needs to know the economic, social and educational status of the people in the state.
Targeting the Center, CM Siddaramaiah said that Karnataka has repeatedly requested the central government to increase NRP (natural resource protection) compensation due to the state. Despite the personal visits of Union Finance Secretary and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the central government has not yet responded to the state’s requests.
Regarding the export of rice under the Public Distribution Scheme to foreign countries, the Chief Minister said that a CID inquiry has been ordered and is being held at a fast pace.
The government has taken an important decision to create a separate ministry, and the authorities will be appointed soon. This welfare will give a new pace to the development of Karnataka.
To facilitate compensation for crop losses in the state, instructions have been given by Revenue and Agriculture Departments to conduct a joint survey. After the survey report is submitted, the crop loss compensation will be distributed to the farmers, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said.
The survey report is expected to be submitted within a week, after which crop loss compensation will be provided. This year, rainfall in the state has been about 4 percent above normal as compared to average. The CM said that crop damage in many parts of North Karnataka has occurred in many parts of northern Karnataka, including Bedar, Kalaburagi and Yadalir, and compensation will be distributed accordingly.
In the financial year of 2024-25, crop insurance claims worth Rs 656 crore have been paid. He said that compensation for farmers who do not take crop insurance will be considered after review, and the issue of loan exemption will also be done by the farmers as per the demand.
In response to the allegations that the flood situation in the state was stated late at the Center last year, the Chief Minister clarified that a report related to the flood was submitted on time. However, the central government delayed the action, the state government had to contact the Supreme Court and later received compensation.
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MKA/Work