Congress Deputy Leader in the Assembly T Jeevan Reddy today criticized the State government for not finding a solution to the unending suicides by farmers in the State.
Participating in the debate on farmers’ suicides issue in the Assembly on Tuesday, Jeevan Reddy alleged that the TRS regime watered down the hopes of the farmers in the new State. Had the government waived off the farm loans at one go, the farmers suicides would have come down, he opined. Demanding that the government reschedule loans and offer health cards to the farmers, he asked the government to find the root cause of the problem. Despite tall promise of installing a solar unit was not set up and addressed the farmers’ woes of debts, he said. adding that the Congress gave statehood and helped Telangana become a rich State.
The farmers are in distress with growing debts, more investments, crop failure, he said. At least now those at the helm of affairs should find a solution to the problem, he said. Though 1400 farmers ended their lives as per National Crime Bureau report, the government is not clear yet on the issue, he said, adding that Rs 60 cr to 70 cr was enough to cater to these farmers’ families.
Admitting that previous Congress regime also witnessed suicides, Jeevan Reddy asked the government to give minimum support price, announce drought hit mandals, Rs 500 bonus per quintal of cotton and Rs 200 bonus per maize towards besides bearing 6 per cent interest being collected by the cooperative banks and pensions.
Though the previous government waived loans in one installment and earmarked Rs 23,000 crore for the purpose, the TRS Government reduced it to Rs 17,000 crore and clearing loans in installments, he lamented. The farmers, he said, are ending their lives as there was no chance for fresh loans and the ruling party should focus on the issue. Jeevan Reddy also said the farmers are ending their lives as the government failed to address their needs. (NSS)