Hyderabad, January 20: Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday asked the Finance Department to release Rs 1,200 crore of the Rs 2,500 crore which is estimated to cost the state exchequer for conducting the Racha Banda programme.
This programme will benefit around 18 lakh individuals and 6.5 lakh SHG Group Members in all the schemes put together.
The Chief Minister also already directed the district Collectors to complete the arrangements for the ‘Racha Banda’ programme. He also hoped that the ministers, legislators and people’s representatives will fully utilise the opportunity to get a first hand feedback from the people on the many welfare programmes launched by the Government and take up redressal of their grievances. He also exhorted the officials to be ready to resolve the people’s grievances on the spot as far as possible.
The State government would conduct the programme from January 24 to February 12 throughout the State to instill confidence among the public by redressing their grievances on the spot and in a bid to take the administration to the doorsteps of the people. Besides, the programme provides an opportunity to the ministers, people’s representatives and officials to oversee the implementation of developmental programmes, strengthen delivery mechanism to the targeted people and to take stock of the situation at a focal point at gram panchayat level in their own territory. The thrust areas in Racha Banda programme are: Ration Cards, Pensions, YSR Abhayahastam, Arogyasri, Housing, MGNREGS and Pavala Vaddi in Rural and urban areas.
As far as issue of Ration Cards concerned, the Chief Minister has decided to issue temporary cards to 5.7 lakh eligible families identified under Integrated Survey for three months for obtaining ration until these temporary cards are made permanent. The temporary cards/coupons would be handed over during the programme. These temporary cards can also be used for obtaining other benefits like admission to educational institutions, scholarships, housing, Arogyasri and so on. Besides, fresh applications for ration cards would also be received during the programme.
Regarding sanction of pensions, it was decided to dispose all pending applications/appeals for pensions. Fresh applications will also be received during the programme for process and it will be ensured that all eligible old-aged, widow and disabled persons who do not possess ration card also receive pension after proper verification. Around three lakh new pensions would be provided during the programme by following saturation principle with state as a unit.
Dr YSR Abhaya Hastham: All pending eligible applicants enrolled earlier would be sanctioned pension under the scheme during Racha Banda. It will be ensured that coverage of all eligible SC/ST women under the scheme on saturation basis. Around 4.60 lakh new SC/ST women would be covered during the Racha Banda programme.
Under Arogyasri scheme, all Arogyasri/white card holders are eligible to get benefit. In case an eligible family does not possess Arogyasri/White card, applications will be taken and processed.
Regarding Housing, some 4.7 lakh new houses would be provided during the programme. The amount required up to basement level will be paid along with the sanction letters during the programme
Regarding MGNREGS, Job cards to the eligible households would be issued before Racha Banda programme. If any request for job cards was received during the programme, the cards will be given immediately after due verification. The Chief Minister said that wage days are increased from 100 days to 125 days. Similarly the wage rate from the present Rs 90 per day is increased to Rs 121 per day.
Pavala Vaddi in Rural and Urban areas: All the pending bills under IKP Pavala Vaddi/MEPMA up to March 31, 2010 totalling an amount of Rs 439 crore would be cleared before Racha Banda. Directions were given for revival of defunct SHGs before the programme.
These programmes are targeted for the benefit of people as whole and in particular weaker section/BPL families. The Racha Banda would enable the government to review of all these schemes at focal point level and lead to a responsive and responsible administration in addition to timely completion of the schemes and proper utilization of funds meant for the targeted groups.
The Government is committed to provide all basic needs to the people for enhanced quality of life for every man, women and child in the state. In order to achieve the above, the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs and other Peoples’ representatives will visit all GPs/Wards under the programme and interact directly with the people, particularly farmers, agricultural labourers and so on.
INN