Only 342 of 782 incidences of farmer suicides are genuine, Telangana tells Hyderabad High Court

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has informed the Hyderabad High Court that it has found 342 cases of farmer suicides of the 782 incidences report from nine districts of the state, excluding Hyderabad, between June 2, 2014 and October 8, 2015, were “genuine.”

In its counter-affidavit following directions against the farmer suicides in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Telangana government said that it was ready to implement the suggestions and recommendations made by Prof. Kodandaram to prevent farmers from taking the extreme step and to improve their economic condition.

The government informed the court that a three-member committee constituted by it had enquired into the cases of farmer suicides and found that 342 cases were “genuine”. It said that it had paid ex-gratia in respect of 313 cases.

Referring to minimum support price issue raised by Prof. Kodandaram, the government made it clear that the final decision on the issue will be taken by the Centre as it was under its purview.