Table of Contents
THE CONTEXT: Karnataka is grappling with one of its most severe droughts in decades, with a significant shortfall in monsoon rains leading to widespread agricultural distress. Despite the dire situation, the state’s plea for substantial drought relief has led to a protracted dispute with the central government. Only after the Supreme Court’s intervention did the Center agree to release a fraction of the funds requested by the state, highlighting the ongoing tension between state and central authorities over disaster relief funding.
ISSUES:
- Severe Drought and Agricultural Impact: Karnataka is experiencing one of its worst droughts in decades, with significant rainfall deficits leading to widespread damage to agricultural and horticultural crops. The state has declared 223 of its 236 taluks as drought-affected, highlighting the extensive nature of the crisis.
- Inadequate Central Government Response: The state government of Karnataka has been disputing with the central government over the amount of drought relief needed. Despite requesting Rs 18,171.44 crore based on the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) guidelines, the central government has released only Rs 3,454 crore, which the state considers insufficient to address the severe drought conditions.
- Legal and Constitutional Challenges: The state has taken the issue to the Supreme Court, arguing that the central government’s failure to release adequate funds violates the fundamental rights of the people of Karnataka under Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Constitution. This legal battle underscores the tension between state and central government responsibilities and the mechanisms for disaster management.
- Political and Administrative Delays: The release of funds has been complicated by political factors and administrative delays, including the involvement of the Election Commission due to concurrent elections. This has added complexity to the urgent need for drought relief, affecting the timely aid distribution.
- Need for Collaborative Resolution: The ongoing conflict between the state and central governments over drought relief funds highlights the need for a more collaborative approach to disaster management. The suggestion of conducting a joint survey to accurately assess the losses and determine a fair amount of relief could be a constructive way forward, ensuring that the affected populations, particularly farmers, receive the necessary support without undue delay.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Joint Survey for Accurate Assessment: A collaborative effort between the state and central governments to conduct a comprehensive and joint survey of the drought-affected areas could lead to a more accurate assessment of the damages and losses. This would ensure that the relief funds requested and allocated are based on ground realities, reducing disputes over the figures.
- Establishment of a Drought Relief Task Force: Forming a dedicated task force comprising representatives from state and central governments, along with experts in agriculture, meteorology, and water management, could facilitate a more coordinated and effective response to the drought crisis. This task force could oversee the implementation of relief measures and ensure that the funds are utilized efficiently.
- Immediate Release of Partial Funds with Scope for Reassessment: To address the immediate needs of the affected population, especially the farmers, the central government could release some of the requested funds as an interim relief measure. This could be followed by a detailed assessment of the situation, allowing for additional funds to be released based on the joint survey findings.
- Implementation of Long-term Drought Mitigation Measures: Beyond immediate relief, long-term strategies are needed to make Karnataka more resilient to drought. These could include investments in water conservation techniques, rainwater harvesting, drought-resistant crops, and improving groundwater recharge. Such measures would reduce the state’s vulnerability to future droughts.
- Transparent Communication and Public Involvement: It is crucial to ensure transparency in allocating and utilizing relief funds. Regular updates should be provided to the public, and feedback mechanisms should be established to involve the community in the relief efforts. This would help build trust among the affected population and ensure that the relief measures are aligned with the community’s needs.
THE CONCLUSION:
The standoff between Karnataka and the Centre over drought relief funding underscores a more significant issue of bureaucratic and political wrangling that often delays necessary aid to those in need. While the Supreme Court’s intervention has provided some relief, the state government considers the amount insufficient. This situation calls for a more collaborative approach between the state and the Centre, focusing on the welfare of the affected population rather than on political or bureaucratic disputes.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 How have the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission of India enabled the States to improve their fiscal position? 2021
Q.2 Drought has been recognized as a disaster given its party expense, temporal duration, slow onset, and lasting effect on various vulnerable sections. Focusing on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority, discuss the mechanism for preparedness to deal with the El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India. 2014
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Analyze the judiciary’s role in ensuring disaster relief and management, considering the Supreme Court’s recent intervention in the drought relief case for Karnataka.
SOURCE:
https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/editorial/find-a-resolution-todrought-relief-row-3008911
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