T'gana govt to implement ‘Rythu Bharosa’ scheme after Sankranti festival

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said on Sunday his government is committed to implementing "Rythu Bharosa" (investment assistance to farmers), one of the Congress party’s six poll guarantees, after the Sankranti festival. Addressing a press conference, Reddy stated that a committee of cabinet ministers has already been formed to submit a report on the modalities for implementing the scheme, and it will be discussed during the Assembly session this month.

“We have already appointed a cabinet committee, including Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and others, to finalise the modalities and submit a report. We will present the report during the Assembly sessions in December for discussion and to move forward,” he said.

As part of its six poll guarantees, the Congress party promised to provide Rs 15,000 to farmers and tenant farmers, and Rs 12,000 to farm workers under the Rythu Bharosa guarantee scheme per acre annually.

Debt on TG government

Attacking the previous BRS government, Reddy claimed that Telangana, which was once a surplus budget state, was pushed into a debt of Rs 7 lakh crore when K Chandrasekhar Rao stepped down as CM in December 2023. The total debt burden on Telangana was Rs 7 lakh crores when Congress assumed power by defeating KCR. Government has been paying Rs 6500 crore interest on Rs 7 lakh crore debt every month, said CM Revanth Reddy.

Reddy says, " KCR, Harish Rao and Etela Rajender never told people about the mounted debt of Rs 7 lakh crores. The BRS leaders spread a wrong message that they are delivering a wonderful administration and turning Telangana into a golden Telangana. Congress released a white paper on the state's financial situation in the assembly and explained the real situation to the people after assuming office on December 9. People should understand how the state's financial situation deteriorated. Despite the debt burden of Rs 7 lakh crores, Congress government has been implementing the guarantees without getting discouraged. Our government is moving forward with an aim of promoting the farmer and their welfare."

The CM said as of now, the state government was paying Rs 6,500 crore monthly towards debt servicing, including both interest and principal amounts.

According to him, the state government has fully implemented the farm loan waiver scheme up to Rs 2 lakh, benefiting over 25 lakh farmers by spending nearly Rs 21,000 crore. "This is the first time since Independence that any state has undertaken such a monumental initiative."

Don't fall prey to false statements

Further, Reddy advised people not to believe the statements of BRS and BJP leaders regarding the government's commitment to the welfare of farmers. Reddy alleged that political forces created misconceptions about the bonus of Rs 500 to fine variety paddy. Earlier, KCR said the paddy procurement centres will be closed and also warned that Paddy cultivation is a suicidal attempt of hanging self by the the farmers.

Reddy said, " My government made the promise of bonus for fine variety of Paddy and procured 31 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. Ra 500 bonus will also be given in the next season. Cultivation of Telangana Sona, BPT, HMT will give more yield. Telangana people are also consuming more these varieties."

Rice produced in the Telangana soil will be distributed to the people through fair price shops. Fine rice meals will also be served to students in welfare hostels, said Reddy.

Government is taking decisions apolitically for the welfare of farmers, he asserted.

Gujarat liquor

"BJP is claiming that total prohibition has been implemented in Gujarat. I am ready to go there and show which liquor brands are available in the BJP ruling state," said CM Revanth Reddy.