BRS quizzes Congress on Rythu Bandhu funds
Hyderabad: Shortly after Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and his Cabinet members were sworn in as MLAs in the Third Legislative Assembly, the BRS urged the Congress government to provide a clear timeline for delivering the additional funds pledged under the Rythu Bandhu scheme to farmers.
BRS MLA T. Harish Rao, former finance minister, said that during the election campaign, the Congress had committed to disbursing ₹15,000 annually under Rythu Bandhu to farmers on December 9, 2023. It was '10,000 earlier. Pointing out that the disbursal day had come, he said farmers, trusting in the Congress's promise, had begun preparations for the upcoming Yasangi (Rabi) crop season and urgently require these funds for purchasing seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and other necessities.
Harish Rao said that, as per the Congress's commitment, the government was obligated to pay ₹7,500 per acre for the Yasangi crop season. He clarified that his intention was not to criticise the new government, given his position in the Opposition but he wanted to stress the importance of providing clarity promptly. He also inquired about the government's plans for purchasing harvested paddy, which is facing damage in some districts due to cyclone-related rains.
Accompanied by former energy minister G. Jagadish Reddy and other BRS MLAs, Harish Rao also questioned Congress leaders regarding their commitment to purchasing paddy at a bonus of ₹500 per quintal. Congress leaders had advised farmers against selling their paddy, assuring them that their government would soon be in power to fulfil this promise. Farmers were anxiously awaiting information on when the government will commence the purchase of paddy with the promised bonus, they said.
