Karnataka implements drought relief and bus fare hikes

The Karnataka government has initiated a drought relief program for farmers following a significant rainfall deficit during the 2026 monsoon season. Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar announced that eligible farmers will receive a total of Rs 5,000 in interim assistance, provided in two installments of Rs 2,500 via Direct Benefit Transfer. This measure follows the declaration of 226 taluks as drought-hit, affecting approximately 57.93 lakh hectares of farmland. The state has requested Rs 22,400.58 crore from the central government under the National Disaster Relief Fund to address crop losses, drinking water needs, and livestock protection.

Simultaneously, the state has implemented significant increases in public transport fares. State-run transport corporations, including KSRTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC, have seen average fare hikes of approximately 23 percent. In Bengaluru, the BMTC has increased ticket prices by an average of 33 to 35 percent. Officials cited rising diesel prices and mounting losses within the transport corporations as the primary drivers for the revision. The Chief Minister defended the decision, urging the opposition to advocate for lower fuel prices at the federal level to facilitate future fare reductions.