Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced a significant update regarding the Rythu Bandhu initiative, stating, “Rythu Bandhu will no longer extend to hilly and rocky terrains.” Speaking to the media on Saturday, he addressed concerns about the distribution criteria, noting that the scheme currently relies on outdated data and covers those owning less than 4 acres of land, with plans to extend it to those with less than 5 acres soon. Vikramarka emphasized that Rythu Bandhu benefits would exclusively support agricultural endeavours and added that no matter will be fitted to agricultural pumps in the state.
Asserting the importance of women’s empowerment, he declared, “Every woman in the state is revered as Mahalakshmi,” while expressing dissatisfaction with the prior administration’s neglect of self-help groups. Additionally, he unveiled plans to launch the Indiramma’s House program on the 11th of the month and introduce an interest-free loan scheme named Indira Kranti from May 12, aimed at providing interest-free loans to women.
Vikramarka pledged commitment to ensuring the success of projects like Kaleshwaram and emphasized the government’s stance against electricity tariff hikes, assuring adequate power supply with plans to introduce an electricity policy soon. Under the Gruhalakshmi scheme, free electricity up to 200 units is provided, resulting in over 40 million zero bills issued thus far.