Hyderabad: The Telangana Cabinet has decided to increase to ex-gratia amount from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh for the families of those farmers who committed suicide.
Briefing the media persons about the cabinet decisions, Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyam Srihari said that the cabinet had a detailed discussion the agriculture sector and reviewed district-wise scenario. He said that the State Government has waived off Rs. 17,000 crore crop loans and half of the amount has already been released. The farmers have been provided with free energy, seeds, fertilizers and other facilities. However, he said deficient rainfall and other factors have been pushing farmers to suicide.
Kadiyam said that the cabinet has decided to increase the ex-gratia amount to Rs. 6 lakh, which includes Rs. 1 lakh towards one-time settlement to the debtor. However, he said this decision would be implemented from today onwards. Further, the daughters of farmers who committed suicide would be extended the benefit of “Kalyana Lakshmi” scheme.
He said that the farmers would also be provided nine hours power during day time from April 2016.
The drought hit mandals would also be declared after the end of monsoon and release of guidelines by the Centre.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, lasted for about six hours.
The cabinet also gave its nod to fill 1,000 vacancies of Agriculture Extension Officer. Kadiyam said as against the requirement of 2100 AEOs @ of one AEO per 2,000 hectares, only 1100 are now working. Therefore, 1,000 vacancies of AEOs would be filled soon. It has also approved establishment of a Forest College in Mulugu of Medak district.
The Telangana Cabinet also decided to set up four Battalions at Adilabad, Ranga Reddy, Khammam and Warangal district. A total of 3,896 posts, including constables, would be created for the purpose.
The Cabinet has also decided to form three thrust groups for industrial promotion of the State. While the first group would deal with the countries of China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, the second will deal with US, Canada and New Zealand and the third with Gulf countries. The groups, to be headed by senior officials, would suggest measures to attract investments from these countries. (INN)