QuotePM Modi chairs high level meeting on drought & water scarcity situation in parts of Karnataka
QuoteKarnataka CM Siddaramaiah thanks PM Modi for Centre's assistance for drought hit areas
QuoteCentre and the State should work together to tackle the problem of drought: PM
QuoteTime has come when there should be healthy competition among States to speak of efforts in water conservation: PM Modi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired a high level meeting on the drought and water scarcity situation in parts of Karnataka. The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, was present in the meeting. Senior officials from the Government of India, and the State of Karnataka, were also present.

Initiating the discussion, the Prime Minister said he is holding separate meetings with Chief Ministers of 11 drought-affected States, to see what can be done to mitigate the problems posed by drought, and also to focus attention on medium to long term measures.

The Chief Minister of Karnataka thanked the Government of India for the assistance of Rs. 1540.20 crore against the Kharif memorandum, and said that this has been fully utilized to assist the farmers. He said that this amount was transferred to farmers through Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS). He further said that Rs. 723.23 crore had recently been approved for the Rabi memorandum, which should be released expeditiously.

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It was informed that this was in addition to the Rs. 207 crore released as central share of SDRF for 2015-16. Further, Rs. 108.75 crore has already been released as first instalment of SDRF for 2016-17.

It was further informed that Rs 603 crore would be made available with Karnataka during 2016-17 for water conservation and drought proofing under various schemes of Government of India. Similarly, Rs 830 crore would be available under various agriculture schemes.

The Chief Minister described the problems being faced by people owing to the severe drought. He said that major rivers and reservoirs in the State are facing acute water shortage. He explained the various measures undertaken by the State Government, including desilting, construction of farm ponds, steps towards drip irrigation, and ensuring adequate drinking water supply.

The Prime Minister discussed various measures for desilting, water conservation and recharging of ground water, with the Chief Minister. He urged the State Government to give maximum attention to desilting, farm tanks and check dams over the next 30 to 40 days, before the onset of the monsoon.

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The Chief Minister apprised the Prime Minister about the steps taken by Karnataka, for waste water management. Appreciating these efforts, the Prime Minister emphasized that this should be taken up in a big way in the towns and cities.

Shri Siddaramaiah apprised the Prime Minister about the preparatory steps taken towards implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. The State Government also made some suggestions regarding crop insurance.

The Chief Minister presented a memorandum to the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister assured him of all possible support.

The Prime Minister said that the Centre and the State should work together to tackle the problem of drought, which he described as “our” problem. He said that solutions to the problem would have to be found together.

The Prime Minister said that the time has come when there should be healthy competition among States to speak of efforts in water conservation and management, the way efforts to increase GSDP and investment are spoken about. The Prime Minister also asked NITI Aayog to develop an index to measure water conservation and management.

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Prime Minister congratulates eminent personalities nominated to Rajya Sabha by the President of India
July 13, 2025

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to four distinguished individuals who have been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India.

In a series of posts on social media platform X, the Prime Minister highlighted the contributions of each nominee.

The Prime Minister lauded Shri Ujjwal Nikam for his exemplary devotion to the legal profession and unwavering commitment to constitutional values. He said Shri Nikam has been a successful lawyer who played a key role in important legal cases and consistently worked to uphold the dignity of common citizens. Shri Modi welcomed his nomination to the Rajya Sabha and wished him success in his parliamentary role.

The Prime Minister said;

“Shri Ujjwal Nikam’s devotion to the legal field and to our Constitution is exemplary. He has not only been a successful lawyer but also been at the forefront of seeking justice in important cases. During his entire legal career, he has always worked to strengthen Constitutional values and ensure common citizens are always treated with dignity. It’s gladdening that the President of India has nominated him to the Rajya Sabha. My best wishes for his Parliamentary innings.”

Regarding Shri C. Sadanandan Master, the Prime Minister described his life as a symbol of courage and resistance to injustice. He said that despite facing violence and intimidation, Shri Sadanandan Master remained committed to national development. The Prime Minister also praised his contributions as a teacher and social worker and noted his passion for youth empowerment. He congratulated him on being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji and wished him well in his new responsibilities.

The Prime Minister said;

“Shri C. Sadanandan Master’s life is the epitome of courage and refusal to bow to injustice. Violence and intimidation couldn’t deter his spirit towards national development. His efforts as a teacher and social worker are also commendable. He is extremely passionate towards youth empowerment. Congratulations to him for being nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rahstrapati Ji. Best wishes for his role as MP.”

On the nomination of Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the Prime Minister stated that he has distinguished himself as a diplomat, intellectual, and strategic thinker. He appreciated Shri Shringla’s contributions to India’s foreign policy and his role in India’s G20 Presidency. The Prime Minister said he is glad to see him nominated to the Rajya Sabha and expressed confidence that his insights will enrich parliamentary debates.

The Prime Minister said;

“Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla Ji has excelled as a diplomat, intellectual and strategic thinker. Over the years, he’s made key contributions to India’s foreign policy and also contributed to our G20 Presidency. Glad that he’s been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President of India. His unique perspectives will greatly enrich Parliamentary proceedings.
@harshvshringla”

Commenting on the nomination of Dr. Meenakshi Jain, the Prime Minister said it is a matter of immense joy. He acknowledged her distinguished work as a scholar, researcher, and historian, and noted her contributions to education, literature, history, and political science. He extended his best wishes for her tenure in the Rajya Sabha.

The Prime Minister said;

“It’s a matter of immense joy that Dr. Meenakshi Jain Ji has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji. She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure.
@IndicMeenakshi”