CM Siddaramaiah meets PM Modi, submits five-point memorandum 

New Delhi

Karnataka Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah on Monday met Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in New Delhi and submitted a detailed five-point memorandum urging the Union Government to clear long-pending demands related to health infrastructure, flood compensation, irrigation projects and agricultural support.

Push for major irrigation clearances

The memorandum seeks the PM’s intervention to expedite clearances for key irrigation and drinking water projects. Siddaramaiah requested that the Central Water Commission be directed to issue pending approvals for the Samabalila (Samatholana) Barrage Project. He also urged the Centre to publish the long-delayed Gazette notification related to the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II and release ₹5,300 crore announced in the 2023–24 Union Budget for the Bhadra Upper Bank Project.

He further pressed for forest and wildlife clearances to implement the Kalasa-Banduri project, essential for providing drinking water to Hubballi-Dharwad.

₹2,136 crore flood relief sought

Pointing to extensive flood damage this year, the CM said 14.5 lakh hectares of crops were lost affecting 19 lakh farmers, while homes, roads and schools suffered heavy damage. Karnataka has sought ₹614.9 crore under the ‘Relief and Assistance’ head and ₹1,521.67 crore for rebuilding public infrastructure.

Release JJM funds pending with centre

CM highlighted that ₹13,004 crore due to Karnataka under the Jal Jeevan Mission for 2025–26 remains unreleased. For 2024–25, only ₹570 crore of the ₹3,804 crore allocation was received, forcing the state to advance ₹7,045 crore from its own funds. With ₹1,700 crore worth of bills pending and ₹2,600 crore yet to be submitted, he urged immediate release of the central share to complete rural drinking water works on schedule.

Call for sustainable sugarcane price mechanism

The CM sought revision of the sugar Minimum Support Price (MSP), currently frozen at ₹31 per kg, stating mills are unable to pay farmers the mandated price. He demanded an immediate MSP hike, increased ethanol procurement approval for Karnataka-based distilleries, and powers for states to determine or approve sugarcane pricing.

Request for AIIMS in Raichur

Siddaramaiah pressed for approval to establish an AIIMS in Raichur, noting the region’s low health indicators and large population of Scheduled Castes and backward communities. He said the state has already submitted a detailed project report and provided suitable land, connectivity and administrative support for setting up the institute.

The Chief Minister urged the Prime Minister to expedite all pending clearances, citing their critical importance for Karnataka’s development.