Hyderabad, Oct. 15: Former minister T Harish Rao has demanded that the Telangana government provide ₹5 lakh in Rythu Bheema benefits to families of deceased farmers who were reportedly left without insurance coverage. He alleged that the Congress government’s failure to pay the scheme’s premium had pushed thousands of families into financial distress.
Rao hosted family members of 22 farmers from Siddipet who died after August 14, the reported deadline for premium payment. He met them over lunch at his camp office and heard their concerns.
Harish Rao Criticises Government Over Rythu Bheema
Rao accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of discontinuing welfare measures introduced by the previous BRS government. He said eligible families had earlier received ₹5 lakh after an insured farmer’s death.
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According to Rao, the BRS government paid ₹7,000 crore in premiums between 2018 and 2024, benefiting more than 1.38 lakh farmers. He alleged that the current government’s failure to maintain the scheme had left bereaved families without support.
The former minister also criticised the government over other welfare schemes, including KCR Kit, fee reimbursement and sheep distribution. He raised concerns about loan waivers, Rythu Bharosa and the availability of 24-hour electricity.
Rao blamed the Chief Minister for reported power shortages and accused him of shifting responsibility onto Transco officials. He threatened to lay siege to the Chief Minister’s Office and the Secretariat unless the government paid ₹5 lakh in ex gratia to affected families.
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He demanded immediate payment of the Rythu Bheema premium to ensure eligible farmers’ families receive the scheme’s benefits.
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