State government has taken initiatives to tackle drought situation in Raichur: Ajay Dharam Singh - The HinduPublished - August 15, 2026 07:38 pm IST - YadgirMinister for Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology, Ajay Dharam Singh, addressing a gathering at the Independence Day celebration programme in Raichur on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTHighlighting the State government’s commitment to addressing agricultural and civic challenges, Minister for Minor Irrigation, Science, and Technology Ajay Dharam Singh stated that key initiatives have been launched to tackle the drought situation in Raichur district.Addressing the gathering after hoisting the national flag at the Mahatma Gandhi Stadium in Raichur during the 80th Independence Day celebrations, the Minister shared that he personally surveyed drought-affected areas in the district following instructions from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. During his visits, he interacted with distressed farmers and directed officials to submit a comprehensive report for immediate action.”The district administration currently holds ₹4.95 crore in its Personal Deposit account for emergency works. Furthermore, the Chief Minister has announced ₹100 lakh for each taluk to mitigate the ongoing drinking water crisis,” Dr. Singh said.Reflecting on the nation’s journey, the Minister paid tribute to freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rani Lakshmibai, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He emphasised that India secured independence from British rule through the sacrifices of prominent leaders and people, and urged the youth to understand the history of the freedom struggle to contribute to nation-building.Despite rainfall deficits across the region, Dr. Singh noted that the Agricultural Department continues to support farmers by extending various government schemes, benefits, and technical guidance for sowing operations. As a result, the district achieved 2.73 lakh hectares of sowing against a target of 5.71 lakh hectares for the current kharif season. Beneficiaries have also received support under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.The Minister highlighted the implementation of the State government’s five flagship guarantee schemes — Shakti, Anna Bhagya, Yuva Nidhi, Gruha Lakshmi, and Gruha Jyoti. He added that developmental works across departments such as Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Education, and Women and Child Development are progressing through grants allocated by the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board (KKRDB) and the mahanagara palike.Looking ahead, Dr. Singh outlined the government’s top 10 flagship programmes scheduled for implementation over the next 100 days.Following the official event, the Minister flagged off new municipal vehicles purchased by the mahanagara palike and met with protesters conducting a long-standing dharna demanding an All India Institute of Medical Sciences in the region to discuss their grievances.Pending grantsDr. Singh, while addressing reporters following the 80th Independence Day celebrations in Raichur, also announced that a State delegation would soon visit New Delhi to urge the Union government to release long-pending grants for the Kalyana Karnataka region. He stated that the matter would first be discussed with Chief Minister D.K.Shivakumar.While the KKRDB has already released State-allocated funds for regional development, the Union government has failed to release its matching grants. Additionally, Central grants under the Aspirational Districts Programme for Raichur remain unreleased, he said.Dr. Singh cited both the landmark reports by D.M. Nanjudappa and the Govindrao Committee addressing regional imbalance and discrimination in fund allocations. He emphasised that the recommendations of the Govindrao Committee would undergo thorough evaluation at the government level for swift implementation.Replying to a question regarding a recent lapse at a government hostel in Sindhanur, the district in-charge Minister asserted a zero-tolerance policy. He warned that any official found negligent in their duties would face immediate and strict disciplinary action.Addressing delays in compensation under the Fasal Bima Yojana, Dr. Singh assured affected farmers that steps are actively being taken to release 25% mid-term crop loss compensation strictly as per the established norms.MLAs Basanagowda Daddal, Shivaraj Patil, Vasant Kumar, MLC, Deputy Commissioner Poovitha S., CEO Eshwar Kumar Kandoo, Superintendent of Police Arunangshu Giri, Commissioner of Raichur City Corporation Jubin Mohapatra and others were present.Published - August 15, 2026 07:38 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }