KCR released Rs 5100 Cr under Rythu Bandhu 48 hours before the municipal polls

Hyderabad :Two days ahead of the municipal polls, Chief Minister K ChandraShekar Rao led TRS government gave an administrative sanction of Rs 5,100 Crore under Rythu Bandhu scheme. This comes at a time, when election code is imposed in notified areas that go to polls on January 22^nd.

The state government on Monday, January 20^th 2020, issued an order releasing the funds under ‘ Investment Support Scheme’. The GO.Rt. No.37 read, “Government, after examination, accords administrative sanction of Rs 5100 Crore towards meeting the expenditure of farmers’.

The financial boost to farmers released 48 hours before the municipal polls, may turn the tables in favor of the TRS party as seen during the state assembly elections in 2018. On being questioned by the opposition then, the TRS party termed it as an ‘on going scheme’. Money was dropped into the bank accounts of eligible farmers few days before the legislative polls.

It is to note that, over Rs 1500 crore Rythu Bandhu amount catering 15 lakh farmers, meant to be released during the Kharif season, that is between June-August, is still pending. While Rythu bandhu for the rabi season was hurriedly released two days before the polls.

Under the scheme farmers benefit Rs 5000 per acre per season to support investment, that is, twice a year for rabi and Kharif seasons.

Holiday on January 22nd for notified areas

The State Election Commission (SEC) ordered the district collectors to declare a public holiday in the areas notified for the municipal election on the day of polling, that is January 22^nd . All shops and commercial establishments located in the notified areas shall remain closed, the order said.

The SEC has also appealed to managements of all public undertaking to permit 3 hours off for employees in order to cast their vote.

Polls will be held in 120 municipalities and nine municipal corporations on January 22.