Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 9: The state government has sparked outrage by increasing the allowance for purchasing new cars for its ministers, even as the state reels under a severe drought and farmers face immense distress.

The government has officially approved a hike in the vehicle purchase limit for ministers, raising it from Rs 26 lac to Rs 31 lac. This move has drawn sharp criticism from the public, especially since farmers, who sowed seeds relying on the monsoon, are now staring at a bleak future due to crop failure.

The controversial decision comes at a time when 217 taluks in the state have been declared drought-hit due to a massive deficit in rainfall. Following the drought declaration, the government announced a compensation of Rs 2,500 for farmers. Furthermore, the finance department had recently cautioned the government to assess the financial reality before announcing any new schemes. Despite the financial constraints and the prevailing agrarian crisis, the government's move to increase the car allowance has raised many eyebrows.

Accusations are rife that while farmers, agricultural labourers, and the working class are struggling for their daily livelihood, ministers and parliamentarians appear to be more concerned about upgrading their vehicles.