Telangana govt to deposit Rs 9,000 crore in farmers' accounts in 9 days
Hyderabad, June 30
The Telangana government will deposit Rs 9,000 crore in farmers' bank accounts in nine days under the Rythu Bharosa scheme, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced on Tuesday.
In view of the prevailing drought conditions due to deficient rainfall, the Chief Minister appealed to farmers to cultivate the seven high-yielding paddy varieties prescribed by the state government. He was addressing a public meeting here after releasing funds under Rythu Bharosa, the investment support scheme for farmers.
The Chief Minister said adequate funds were made available for Rythu Bharosa. Similarly, an adequate quantity of fine variety paddy seeds has been made available at 'Rythu Vedikas' (farmers' platforms).
The Chief Minister listed the steps his government has taken for the welfare of farmers over the last 30 months. The government waived Rs 20,000 crore of loans of 25.35 lakh farmers.
Revanth Reddy mentioned that the 'people's government' increased the Rythu Bharosa amount to Rs 12,000 and has so far deposited Rs 27,000 crore into farmers' accounts. In all, we paid a total of Rs 36,000 crore under Rythu Bharosa, including Rs 7,000 crore released immediately after assuming office.
"So far, we have spent Rs 1,75,000 crore for farmers. We have been spending Rs 6,000 crore per month for farmers' welfare," he said and claimed that the previous BRS government spent only Rs 2,000 crore per month.
CM Revanth Reddy claimed it was the Congress that pioneered free power supply to farmers. Free electricity is the Congress party's signature initiative, he said, taking exception to the BRS statement on free power supply.
He revealed that the government has so far spent Rs 30,000 crore on free power supply, Rs 4,000 crore on the bonus for fine-variety paddy and Rs 3,500 crore on farmer insurance.
The Chief Minister challenged the BRS for a debate on farmers' issues in a special session of the State Assembly. He dared the main opposition party to a debate on the achievements of the BRS government in 10 years and on what the present government has accomplished in two-and-a-half years.
CM Revanth Reddy took a broadside at the KCR regime for turning the financially flourishing Telangana into a debt-ridden state. When Telangana was formed on June 2, 2014, the outstanding debt stood at only Rs 69,000 crore. The state debt reached Rs 8,11,000 crore by the time the "people's government" was sworn in on December 7, 2023.
The Chief Minister took a dig at BJP national president Nitin Nabin's comment that the BJP will come to power in Telangana in the next elections.
He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh into every poor person's account and pledged to provide 2 crore jobs annually. "By now, 24 crore jobs should have been created. Did that happen?" he asked.
He remarked that in Telangana, the BJP has given positions only to Bandi Sanjay and Kishan Reddy. He reiterated that the Musi rejuvenation project, Regional Ring roads, and Metro Rail expansion would be taken up despite all the odds created by the opposition.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Waiving Rs 20,000 crore loans and now Rs 9,000 crore deposit - that's serious money. But the debt situation CM mentioned is alarming - from Rs 69,000 crore to Rs 8 lakh crore under BRS! Both parties need to focus on sustainable agriculture, not just populist schemes.
Interesting how CM is challenging BRS for a debate. 🎯 But seriously, Rs 6,000 crore per month on farmers is a huge commitment. Hope the state can sustain this without compromising on other essential sectors like health and education. Drought conditions make this support crucial though.
Free power supply is indeed a Congress signature scheme - we've seen it in Rajasthan and Karnataka. But the Rs 30,000 crore spent on free electricity... is that sustainable long-term? Renewable energy options should be explored. Also, the paddy variety recommendation is practical given water scarcity. 🌾
One thing I appreciate is the emphasis on Musi river rejuvenation and Metro expansion. Urban and rural development must go hand in hand. But CM's dig at BJP about 'Rs 15 lakh promise' and job creation was spot on - national parties also need to be accountable for their promises.
As someone from a farming family, I'm happy about the loan waiver and Rythu Bharosa increase. But where is the focus on technology in agriculture? Drip irrigation, soil health cards, market linkages - these are equally important. Cash doles alone won't solve all problems. Just my humble opinion. 🙏
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