BENGALURU, Sept. 25 -- Karnataka will provide an input subsidy of Rs.2,500 each to about 4.6 million to 5 million affected by the drought, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister G Parameshwara told the legislative Assembly on Thursday.

The government will spend Rs.1,250 crore on the assistance, which will take effect immediately, Parameshwara said while responding to a discussion on the drought situation in the state.

The announcement comes as Karnataka seeks greater financial support to deal with crop losses and other effects of the prolonged rainfall deficit. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has sought the release of 50% of the Rs.3,705.3 crore drought relief memorandum submitted to the Centre as interim assistance. The state has said ...