Congress govt cuts Rythu Bharosa allocation in Budget, sparks concerns

The Telangana government has proposed a Rs 4,000 crore cut in Rythu Bharosa budget allocations for 2026–27, alongside imposing a few eligibility rules, drawing criticism over reduced support, delayed payments, and changes in implementation of the farmer assistance scheme

Hyderabad: The Congress government has proposed a reduction of nearly Rs 4,000 crore in allocations for the Rythu Bharosa scheme in the 2026-27 Budget, raising concerns over its support for farmers. The government has also listed out a few eligibility conditions for farmers to receive assistance under the scheme.

During the Vanakalam 2025 season, the State released Rs 8,744 crore to 69.40 lakh pattadars. For 2026-27 financial year, an allocation of Rs 13,603 crore has been made for both crop seasons, as stated in the demand for agriculture budget presented in the Assembly.

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In comparison, the government had released Rs 8,744 crore for Vanakalam 2025 and Rs 9,000 crore for Yasangi 2025-26 season. The total disbursement across these two seasons stands at Rs 17,744 crore. Against this, the latest allocation reflects a reduction of around Rs 4,000 crore.

Since coming to power in December 2023, the Congress government has faced criticism over delays and changes in the implementation of the scheme.

For the Yasangi 2023–24 season, the assistance released was based on funds allocated by the previous BRS government. However, no assistance was provided during the Vanakalam 2024-25 season, which drew criticism from farmers.

The government also faced backlash during the Yasangi 2024–25 season after reportedly restricting benefits to farmers owning up to three acres, departing from the earlier practice of no upper limit.

Interestingly, Rs 8,744 crore was disbursed within nine days during the Vanakalam 2025 season, the Rs 9,000 crore for the Yasangi 2025-26 season is being released in three instalments over 45 days, with the government citing financial constraints.

Typically, assistance is provided between December and January, but this year it was delayed until late March.

The government has also clarified that assistance will be provided based on land records registered in the Dharani portal (Bhu Bharati). It added that non-arable lands will not be covered under the scheme.