YSRCP government pro-poor: Minister
Anantapur: BC Welfare Minister M Sankaranarayana has received the guard of honour on the occasion of the 73rd Independence Day celebrations at the Police Parade Grounds here on Thursday. Addressing a galaxy of political leaders, government officials and the general public, the Minister dwelt at length on the new government's policies and the flagship programmes of the State government dubbed as Navaratnalu.
He referred to Rythu Bharosa scheme aimed at farmers welfare with an investment of Rs 3,750 crore with the objective of extending Rs 12,500 per family for farm operations. He also mentioned the YSR Rythu Bima extended to 5.61 lakh farmers under which the premium amount is shared and paid by the Central and State governments. He also spoke of the zero interest loans extended to farmers.
The targeted amount of loans is worth Rs 7,070 crore. Claiming that the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy's government is pro-farmer, he stated that 16 rigs are made available one for each Assembly and parliamentary constituency, under which free bores are being dug in farmlands. Sankaranarayana also promised to release input subsidy of Rs 2,400 crore due to farmers for Rabi and Kharif.
He revealed that in the event of farmer suicide or accidental death, Rs 7 lakh compensation will be paid to the family members. Seeds for groundnut crop and other commercial crops were also supplied to 2.49 lakh groundnut farmers and 2.82 lakh commercial crop farmers with a subsidy component of Rs 79.52 crore.
He mentioned that efforts are being made to give water for irrigating 1 lakh acres under the HNSS project. The project is aimed at irrigating 3.45 lakh acres of crop lands once completed. He said that the 'Amma Vodi' scheme has helped boost enrolment in government schools and this academic year 16,000 students from private schools enrolled in government schools.
The promise to pay Rs 15,000 per family served as a game changer for rural poor children. The Minister promised house sites and construction of houses for all eligible poor and free medical treatment under Aarogyasri scheme to patients whose medical bill exceeds Rs 1,000. District Collector S Sathyanarayana presided.
A host of political leaders including MLAs and in-charge Minister Peddireddy and other dignitaries graced the occasion. All government departments organised stalls showcasing government schemes to the people. District SP B Sathya Yesu Babu made elaborate security arrangements.