Hyderabad: Over 3.33 lakh fresh members have enrolled for various shepherd societies across the state to benefit from the Telangana government’s sheep distribution scheme. With this, the total membership has almost touched the 6-lakh mark.
There were already 2.63 lakh members before the state government embarked on a fresh membership drive across the state. With new enrolments, the total membership in TS reached 5.96 lakh.
The state government has decided to distribute 84 lakh sheep to Yadava and Kuruma families across the state in two years as part of the government’s policy to encourage caste-based occupations to revive rural economy.
Of them, 42 lakh will be distributed this year starting June 20. Each unit will have 20 female and a male sheep and costs Rs 1.25 lakh. The state will bear 75 per cent of the cost of the animals and the beneficiaries 25 per cent.
Those above 18 years of age are eligible to claim the benefit. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao directed officials to purchase sheep only from neighbouring states and not procure local sheep.
Minister for Animal Husbandry Talasani Srinivas Yadav reviewed the progress of the scheme with officials at the Secretariat. He warned societies and officials of severe action if they resort to irregularities in giving membership or selection of beneficiaries.“We have received complaints from some areas over demanding money for membership. While the government prescribed membership fee is just Rs 51, there are complaints that some people are demanding Rs 2,000 and even more. We are inquiring into those complaints and those found guilty will be dealt with sternly,” Mr Yadav said.
He said there were 4,154 societies in 30 districts earlier (Hyderabad not included in the scheme) and another 3,299 societies were added during the fresh membership drive.
