Umashree meets kin of those who died

District in-charge Minister Umashree met families of some farmers who committed suicide in Bidar district on Saturday.

She promised Saraswati, wife of Ishwar Biradar who ended his life in Madargaon village, that the government would bear the cost of educating her children.

To a question, she said the government was likely to declare drought in a few districts if it does not rain until next week. She later met the families of farmers in Mangalagi and Aliambar villages.

A delegation of farmer leaders met the Minister and submitted a list of demands, which included waiving of all loans taken by farmers, hiking the compensation given to dependents of farmers who committed suicide to Rs. 10 lakh, release of arrears of Rs. 110 crore to sugarcane growers, and criminal action against presidents of the three sugar factories for not releasing arrears.

They also sought a detailed inquiry into the financial situation of the factories that claim to be running in loss for 15 years, and a district-level committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner to find solutions to farmers’ problems.

Ms. Umashree said she would convey their concerns to Chief Minister Siddharamaiah. Leaders like Parameshwar Patil, Satish Naganure, Gurulingappa Waldoddi, Siddanna Bushuetty, Channabsva Huchche and others were part of the delegation.