Poll code may hit Rythu Bandhu scheme

Hyderabad: Complaints from political parties to the Election Commission may hit the distribution of cheques to farmers under the Rythu Bandhu scheme in the rabi season.  The TRS government launched the Rythu Bandhu scheme to give Rs 4,000 per acre to every farmer as investment subsidy. The scheme was successfully implemented in the last kharif season and the state government planned to distribute cheques for the rabi season in November. But with the dissolution of the Assembly, the state government has decided to distribute the cheques in advance for the rabi season. 

If the Election Commission issues the election schedule around October 10 then all officials will be busy with election related work in November and will not have time for distribution of cheques. The government has thus decided to start distribution of cheques from October 5 and has told banks to print the cheques.

Some Opposition parties have objected to the distribution of the cheques under Rythu Bandhu and the distribution of Bathukamma saris as the model code of conduct is in force. They have complained to TS Chief Electoral Officer Rajath Kumar, who has referred the complaints to the Election Commission. The fact is that the code of conduct does not apply to ongoing and old schemes, but only to new schemes and decisions. Mr Rajath Kumar told this newspaper that he has referred the complaints to the Election Commission, but he added that that the model code is not applicable to ongoing and old schemes.

The state government has asked banks to print 52 lakh cheques for distribution to farmers. The state government will spend around Rs 5,000 crore on the subsidy to 52 lakh farmers this rabi season. It distributed 50 lakh cheques for the kharif season.  Principal secretary, agriculture department, Mr Pardhasaradhi said banks have been told to print the cheques which will be distributed to every eligible farmer, amounting to Rs 5,000 crore.