Farmer issues spark heated debate in Telangana Assembly

Harish Rao questions inconsistencies in budget allocations for welfare schemes including Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa

Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly witnessed a heated debate on Saturday, with the Opposition questioning the Congress government over farm loan waivers, Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa, and the Rs 500 paddy bonus.

Former Minister T Harish Rao pointed out inconsistencies in budget allocations, questioning Minister D Anasuya (Seethakka) on financial assistance to farmers. “Last year, Rs 930 crore was allocated for Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa, but only Rs 60 crore was released. Where is the remaining Rs 870 crore?” he asked.

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He also criticised the budget cut for Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa in 2025-26, stating that this budget’s Rs 600 crore allocation was Rs 330 crore less than the last budget. He demanded that all 1.02 crore MGNREGA workers in Telangana be included under the scheme, arguing that most owned less than one acre of land.

Harish Rao rejected Congress’ accusations of misuse of funds under Rythu Bandhu. “If any money was wrongly allocated, recover it. But don’t deprive Dalits, tribals, and weaker sections of their rightful benefits under Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa,” he said.

BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy questioned why Rs 11,000 crore in crop loan waiver was not released, despite a Rs 31,000 crore budget allocation. He alleged that Rs 15,000 was promised under Rythu Bharosa, but only Rs 12,000 was given, and dismissed the Rs 500 paddy bonus as bogus.

Seethakka defended the government, stating that pending dues for Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa and Rythu Bharosa will be cleared by March 31. She clarified that the Indiramma Athmeeya Bharosa scheme strictly applies to landless farm labourers with MGNREGA job cards.