Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao believes that farmers’ decision to voluntarily give up the agriculture investment subsidy being handed out by the state government could have a negative impact on the image of the TRS party. He does not want government officials and party leaders to publicise the issue.
The government has announced that every farmer will be given Rs 4000 per acre per crop as an investment subsidy. However, the scheme has invited criticism as people believe that rich farmers do not need the money. Keeping this in mind, the government has called upon rich farmers to voluntarily give up the investment subsidy being offered to them.
Arrangements for the distribution of cheques to farmers as were discussed at the Collectors’ Conference held a few days ago. Sources who attended the Conference revealed that the Chief Minister said that the opposition parties were likely to use the farmers’ decision to voluntarily give up the investment subsidy as a reason to defame the government.
He said that they would say the government had no interest in helping the farmers and that it was pressurising them to give up the subsidy. Gram Sabhas will be conducted for the distribution of cheques under the scheme.
Farmers who choose not to accept the subsidy must fill up a form informing the officials of their decision, and their cheques will be retained by the government.
