Revenue Minister Deshpande visited drought-hit areas and interacted with MGNREGA labour in Yadgir district on Wednesday.
He visited Yargol village tank where dredging work was on and interacted with labour who have been given jobs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He asked them not to go to cities in search of jobs as the State government was committed to providing them jobs under MGNREGA.
Mr. Deshpande, who was accompanied by Regional Commissioner of Kalaburagi Revenue Division Subodh Yadav, went to the border villages and inspected the drought-affected areas, after completing his tour in Kalaburagi district.
“We have initiated all measures that will help people under distress owing to drought which has badly affected Yadgir district. Beneficiairies will be given jobs and a salary of ₹ 249 per day under MGNREGA. Schoolchildren will get milk, egg and mid-day meals. And, apart from textbooks, shoes and uniforms will be given to them free. Hence, you need not go to cities in search of jobs with your school-going children. We are with you. You should not worry about your jobs and the future of your children,” Mr. Deshpande assured.
Deputy Commissioner of Yadgir M. Kurma Rao, who was present, said that the work of dredging tanks has been taken up in association with the Bharatiya Jain Sanghatane.
The government is providing fuel to earthmovers and other machines that belonged to the sanghatane, which is dredging tanks. So far, dredging has been completed in 24 tanks and Yargol tank, which is spread over 200 acres, was one among them, he said.
“Farmers are making use of the silt removed from the tank in their fields and are carrying it at their own cost,” Mr. Rao added.
The Minister said that eligible beneficiaries will get houses under the housing scheme free and there was no need to pay any money after residents complained that officials were demanding bribe to allot houses to them. Mr. Deshpande also directed Chief Executive Officer Kavita Mannikeri to conduct an inquiry into the charges and submit a report for further action. MLA from Gurmitkal Nagangowda Kandakur sought release of additional compensation to farmers in distress. Mr. Deshpande visited the fodder stock point at the APMC Yard and a field of green gram which needs immediate rainfall for a good yield.
Later, he reviewed development works and addressed officials. He said that there is no dearth of grants to address drought-related problems, particularly drinking water and fodder for livestock.
Zilla Panchayat president Rajshekhargouda Patil Vajjal and officials from various government departments were present.
