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Diwali

Flood-Ravaged Karnataka: Chief Minister Formulates Measures for Relief and Rehabilitation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has devised several measures to restore normalcy in the 16 flood-ravaged districts of North Karnataka. These measures include a flood tax, increased working hours for government employees, no state awards this year, muted Diwali celebrations, and increased taxes on heavy load carrying trucks. The state government has also approved an ordinance to enhance expenditure under calamity relief, with a budget of Rs 2,500 crore, up from Rs 1,000 crore. The flood tax is expected to increase state revenues by Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 crore.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Chief Minister has formulated a flood tax to increase state revenues, estimated to be between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 crore.
  • Government employees have been asked to work two hours extra per day to help with relief and rehabilitation works, with 220 people killed and over two lakh people rendered homeless.
  • The state government has decided to impose an additional tax on trucks transporting iron ore, granite, sand, and wood, to mobilise resources to maintain roads.
  • There will be no State Day celebrations this year on November 1 to show solidarity with the flood-affected people.
  • Government employees have been asked to keep Diwali celebrations simple and direct their money towards flood relief.
  • The state government has approved an ordinance to enhance expenditure under calamity relief, with a budget of Rs 2,500 crore, up from Rs 1,000 crore.

Statistics:

  • 220 people were killed in the sudden, unprecedented floods that swept the northern parts of Karnataka between September 28 and October 2.
  • Over two lakh people were rendered homeless in the floods.
  • The flood tax is expected to increase state revenues by Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 crore.
  • The state government has approved an ordinance to enhance expenditure under calamity relief, with a budget of Rs 2,500 crore.

Sources:

  • "Flood tax, extra hours of work, no State Day celebrations among measures formulated by B S Yeddyurappa". The Indian Express, 2009.

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