AP&TELANGANA: New Ration Cards and Rythu Bharosa
This Sankranti promises to bring joy to millions of families in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has announced a festive gift of new ration cards for all eligible residents. Additionally, provisions have been made for updating and modifying existing ration cards. The application process for these new cards began on December 2, 2024, and individuals can apply at their respective village or ward secretariats. After a detailed verification process, eligible applicants will receive their new ration cards. The government has allocated sufficient funds to ensure the smooth execution of this initiative.
In Telangana, the government has announced significant support for farmers under the Rythu Bharosa scheme. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy revealed that the long-awaited funds would be deposited into farmers’ accounts after Sankranti. To address previous allegations of mismanagement under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, the administration has decided that only eligible farmers will receive the benefits. This initiative aims to provide direct financial relief to farmers while ensuring transparency in fund disbursement.
During a Farmers’ Festival in Mahbubnagar, CM Revanth Reddy highlighted Telangana’s financial challenges. He noted that while the state inherited a ₹16,000 crore surplus, it now faces a debt of ₹7 lakh crore. Remarkably, the government repaid all loans taken between 2018 and 2023 within this short timeframe, setting a historic precedent. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of discussing the Rythu Bharosa scheme in the upcoming assembly sessions to finalize its structure and impact.
Despite these financial challenges, the Telangana government has implemented several farmer-centric welfare programs. The Chief Minister disclosed that ₹21,000 crore in loans for over 25.35 lakh farmers have already been waived. Crop loans up to ₹2 lakh have been entirely cleared, and efforts are underway to address errors in bank accounts or technical glitches that delayed loan waivers. Revanth Reddy reassured farmers that even those without ration cards were included in these benefits, ensuring comprehensive financial relief for the farming community.
