MYSURU: Restart farmer honours, BSY urges govt

Mysore: Former chief minister BS Yediyurappa has urged the state Congress government to restart the Kisan Samman scheme for the farming community, which has suffered detrimental consequences due to the drought.

He said his then government had extended financial assistance from the state along with assistance from the Center through direct benefit transfer to the beneficiaries. However, the Congress government has stopped this programme, which had received huge support from the farmers.

After inaugurating the car festival at Suttur Jathra here, the former CM said that there is severe drought in the state, which may lead to severe water shortage. Rising mercury levels and water shortage have left farmers worried about their future and livelihood.

Yediyurappa said he was the first to launch the Bhagyalakshmi scheme for girls in the country. Praising the contribution of the monasteries in the field of education, health and providing food to the needy, he said that all these activities have reduced the burden on the government.

Announcing his intention to visit the state, Yediyurappa lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching Bharat Rice at Rs 29 per kg while the existing prices have risen to Rs 50-60 per kg.