Wed Nov 20 14:06:08 UTC 2024: ## Bidar Minister Orders Probe into Farmer Suicide Compensation Delays

**Bidar, Karnataka, November 20, 2024** – Forest Minister and Bidar in-charge Eshwar Khandre has ordered an investigation into delays in distributing compensation to families of farmers who died by suicide due to agrarian distress. While cheques have been issued, the funds haven’t reached the beneficiaries’ bank accounts, prompting Khandre to express his serious concern during a Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting on Wednesday.

Khandre demanded that officials from the Revenue and Agriculture departments ensure timely payment of the monthly ₹2,000 stipend to the widows and free education for the children of deceased farmers. He also instructed banks to refrain from pressuring distressed farmers to repay loans.

Addressing crop loss issues, Khandre stated that ₹10 crore of the ₹13.76 crore compensation allocated for crop losses affecting 17,460 hectares has already been released, with the remaining amount to be disbursed soon. He also ensured that the government is committed to providing adequate electricity supply to farmers. Rabi sowing is progressing well, with 87% of the target already achieved.

The meeting also focused on the dire financial straits of the Bidar Sahakara Sakkare Karkhane (BSSK) Limited sugar mill, burdened by a ₹300 crore debt. Khandre, citing his family’s history with the mill, indicated that leasing it to a private entity might be the only viable option for its revival. He plans to present a proposal to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging the government to explore solutions. Municipal Administration Minister Rahim Khan called for a thorough investigation into the mill’s financial crisis, holding bank officials accountable.

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