Date:16/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/08/16/stories/2004081603810300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur

A promise of 3,500 acres for landless

By Our Staff Reporter

ANANTAPUR, AUG. 15. The State Government is committed to provide relief to farmers who have been forced into a distress situation due to drought for the last four years, the Minister for Panchayat Raj, J. C. Diwakar Reddy, said.

Addressing a gathering after hoisting the national flag as part of the Independence Day celebrations here today he said 700 landless poor identified under the Velugu project would be distributed 3,500 acres land.

Relief for farmers' kin

Families of 138 farmers who committed suicide in the district since July 1, 1998 had been paid ex gratia of Rs. 1.38 crores, he said. They were given Rs. 10.5 lakhs to repay their debt, apart from Rs. 50,000 to each family, announced by the Prime Minister.

Sanction of houses under IAY and education facility to children were also being given as part of rehabilitation package, Mr. Reddy said.

To provide relief from private moneylenders the Government had announced six months moratorium on the debts of farmers, besides rescheduling the loans taken in banks.

Loans, free power

The Congress Government had provided free farm power and waived the farm power dues of Rs. 52.4 crores in the district, benefiting 1.16 lakh farmers, the Minister noted and added that 1.89 lakh farmers were given crop loans of Rs. 299 crores this year.

The District Collector, Y.V. Anuradha, the Superintendent of Police, Anil Kumar, the DIG of Anantapur Range, N. Jayarami Reddy, participated.