Karnataka assures ₹5,000 drought relief to every eligible farmer; D.K. Shivakumar says there is no need to panic

Shivakumar said the first instalment of ₹2,500 had already been released and the remaining amount would be paid in the second instalment. The government had worked out a mechanism to ensure that all eligible farmers received the promised assistance.

Addressing concerns over farmers who had not received the money or had received lower amounts, the Chief Minister said discrepancies were being examined. In some cases, incorrect bank account details and accounts linked to loans had affected the transfers. Officials were verifying the records and taking steps to rectify the problems.

“Nobody needs to panic. Even if the Centre does not provide the funds, we have decided to give up to ₹5,000. We will pay it in two instalments,” Shivakumar said.

Deputy Chief Minister and Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara had also assured farmers that the minimum assistance of ₹5,000 would be provided to every eligible beneficiary, irrespective of the size of their landholding. Farmers who received ₹2,000 or ₹2,500 in the first instalment would be paid the balance in the subsequent instalment.

The state government has earmarked ₹1,250 crore for the first phase of relief, covering around 50 lakh farmer families, with a similar amount proposed for the second phase. The government has maintained that no eligible farmer would be denied the promised assistance because of payment discrepancies.

The assurance comes amid widespread concern over crop losses caused by drought across Karnataka. The government has reiterated that it would continue the relief process and ensure that the financial assistance reaches all eligible farmers.