Harish: Extend Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa to all landless labourers

Speaking in the Assembly, BRS MLA Harish Rao cornered the Congress Government over slashing funds for the Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa scheme and demanded its extension to all SC, ST and BC landless agricultural labourers.
“Minister Seethakka spoke about Atmiya Bharosa. Bhatti said last year’s budget allocated Rs 930 crore. But now you say only Rs 60 crore was spent. What happened to the remaining Rs 870 crore?” he asked. He pointed out that this year’s allocation too had dropped to Rs 600 crore, cutting nearly Rs 330 crore from last year’s allotment.
Pointing out that Telangana has over one crore registered MGNREGS workers, Harish demanded the scheme should be extended to all landless labourers with less than one acre of land. He added that many poor SCs, STs, and BCs who own just 10 guntas of inherited land are being excluded from the Rs 12,000 benefit given by the Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa scheme.
“If they are getting only Rs 3,000 under Rythu Bharosa, they are losing Rs 12,000. How can this be justice?” he asked.
Responding to allegations that the BRS had extended Rythu Bandhu even to rocks and hills, he said, “If you find such cases, recover the money. But don’t punish poor farmers.”
He requested the government to ensure fair implementation of the scheme by including small and marginal landholders as well.