Bengaluru, (DHNS): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday warned officials of stern action if they failed to effectively implement the flagship Bhagya schemes of the government like Anna Bhagya and Ksheera Bhagya.

Addressing district in-charge secretaries at the Vidhana Soudha, he directed them to camp at district headquarters at least once a month and review implementation of programmes announced in the budget 2017-18. Besides, the secretaries have been asked to tour drought-affected places at least two days a month and ensure implementation of relief work, he added.

He said there should be no delay in giving compensation to family members of farmers who have committed suicide. Steps should be taken to ensure that the family members of the deceased farmers get free healthcare and education. Action will be taken against the officials if there is delay in giving compensation, he warned.

Major parts of the state are reeling under drought. The in-charge secretaries should closely monitor relief work. Supply of drinking water and fodder to cattle should be taken up on priority, he added.

He said his government will not tolerate corruption and asked the in-charge secretaries to draw his attention if any official indulges in corrupt activities.

The chief minister directed Chief Secretary Subhash Chandra Khuntia to take up the issue of cash crunch in Karnataka with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Many heads of departments had complained to the chief minister that they have not been able to implement development projects and budgetary programmes due to cash crunch. Many nationalised banks are refusing to clear cheques issued by the government. Even real time gross settlement (RTGS) transactions are getting affected. It is mainly on account of cash crunch, the officials complained.