Rythu Bandhu Is A Grand Success: T. Harish Rao

Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao has called upon the officials and public representatives to make the Rythu Bandhu (investment support scheme for agriculture) a grand success, stating that this will benefit more than 58 lakh farmers in the State covering about 1.42 crore acres. He said the programme would be held from May 10 to May 17. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is slated to inaugurate the programme in the erstwhile Medak district, if not, he will visit these districts during the programme.

An awareness programme on Rythu Bandhu scheme was held here on Monday for the officials and public representatives of Sangareddy, Medak and Siddipet district. MLAs, MPs, Collectors, MROs, MPDOs attended the programme.Addressing the gathering along with the Rythu Samanvaya Samithi (RSS) president Gutha Sukhender Reddy here, Mr. Harish Rao said that pass books and title deeds will be handed over to the farmers along with the bearer cheques of ?4,000 from May 10 to May 17 at the programme.

He said that farmers were free to encash the amount anywhere and bankers were instructed not to adjust the cash for any other loans. He said the government had spent about ?100 crore for the printing of cheque books alone .

“Officials have to inform the farmers well in advance on the day the cheques would be distributed and in which village. Pamphlets need to be distributed explaining this and flexi board must be erected. Public representatives and members of RSS should play a key role in making the programme grand success. A team of four members will be formed to serve cheques, note down details, register grievances and take acknowledgement from 300 farmers. Depending on the farmers the number of teams will be increased,” said Mr. Harish Rao.

He has also suggested that the Collectors examine whether it was possible to hand over cash, after collecting cheques in the villages, by bank mitras. The officials were also instructed to deal with the farmers softly.