TS seeks `2 k cr in small denominations

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has urged the Centre to arrange for the release of cash totalling Rs 2,000 crore in small denominations so as to ease the situation, particularly in rural areas.

Minister for Agriculture Marketing T Harish Rao, in his reply during question hour in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, acknowledged that farmers, particularly labourers, had been badly affected by the cash crunch.

Referring to the effects of demonetisation, he told members that about two days back Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had written a letter to the Union government to immediately release cash totalling Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 2,500 crore towards helping villagers and farmers to overcome the existing problems due to cash crunch.

Similarly, the Agriculture Department had also requested the Centre to help in this direction, he mentioned.

Responding to concerns expressed by Leader of Opposition Mohammed Ali Shabbir, the Minister said that the government had already taken up the issue of provision of Rs 24,000 withdrawal by farmers in view of RBI guidelines.

“We are monitoring the situation and pursuing the issue, in view of good crop this Rabi season,” he said.

On the implementation of the Rythu Bandhu Scheme, the minister said that for the current financial year up to December 26, Rs 15 crore was provided to 1,204 farmers.

For the year 2015-16, loans totalling Rs 11 crore was provided to 954 farmers; and, for the year 2014-15, Rs 10.24 crore in loans was provided to 857 farmers.

Harish Rao said that after the formation of Telangana State, the government had enhanced loan amount under the scheme from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.

“This loan is being sanctioned without interest up to 180 days to prevent farmers from resorting to distress sale,” he said.

Scientific godowns were being built for storing agricultural produce of farmers availing loan under the scheme, he added.