compensation for farmers even if Centre doesn't release drought funds: CM D K Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday announced a compensation of Rs 5,000 to each farmer in the state in two instalments. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday, he said, "There is a severe drought in Karnataka. The first instalment of Rs 2,500 will be released to the farmers.

He said that the drought situation has been briefed to the central government and will soon go to Delhi with an all-party alliance and submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister. He said that even if the funds are not received from the Centre or there is a delay, the state government will directly deposit the drought compensation into the accounts of the farmers. The payment of compensation to farmers was formally launched in Yadagiri district on May 5.