HUBBALLI: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said insurance companies would be asked to come to the rescue of villagers in flood-hit areas of north Karnataka through release of compensation for loss of crops.
Ms Sitharaman, who reviewed relief and rescue operations in Belagavi and Bagalkot districts, said, “I will instruct insurance companies to extend the premium payable date for crops under 'Fasal Bima Yojana' and provide interim relief,” she said adding the RBI will instruct micro finance companies not to press for repayment of loans of weavers who have lost raw materials, sarees and other finished products.
She said handlooms and power looms units of weavers have become defunct owing to flood water entering their premises. She said they should not be harassed by anyone.
Addressing the media in Bagalkot, the minister said she would submit the details of flood-ravaged districts of north Karnataka to the Centre. She said a special team would arrive soon to inspect and assess the loss caused due to flood in the region.
Meanwhile, former BJP minister Murugesh Nirani urged the minister to declare the flood as national calamity. Hordes of politicians including former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, KPCC president Dinesh Gundurao toured north Karnataka region to assess the damage caused by foods on Saturday.
