Rythu Bandhu scheme not for tenant farmers: CM

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao today made it clear that the state governments 'RythuBandhu' investment support scheme is meant for providing investment only to the farmers and not tenant farmers.

"He (Rao) said this is 'Rythu Bandhu Scheme' and certainly not 'Tenant Rythu Bandhu Scheme' a release from Rao's office said.

Rao observed that a number of properties in society are offered on lease by owners to others but none of the lease holders would become property owners under any circumstances, it said.

"CM questioned that while this is the case as far as every property is concerned, why should it be made applicable for farmers and put to them in trouble," it said.

The government also does not have details of tenant farmers and that nowhere in the official records there is a mention about details of tenant farmers, it said.

Rao's firm stance is an apparent response to the demand of opposition parties that the scheme be extended to tenant farmers also.

The state government provides Rs 8,000 per acre per annum to the farmers under the 'Rythu Bandhu' scheme.

Separately, Rao said the 'Mission Bhagiratha' (scheme to supply piped water to households) works should be completed within the stipulated time.

"The CM cautioned that the contract of the working agencies who failed to complete the works within the stipulated time may have to be withdrawn," a release from Rao's office said.