Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy has distributed Bangaru Thalli certificates to the beneficiaries at Rachabanda programme here.
On the occasion, he said Rachabanda was a big success with 61 lakh families benefited during the first two spells of the programme. The government’s endeavour was to achieve inclusive growth. In the last two rounds of Rachabanda, Rs 6,000 crore worth benefits were distributed.
During Rachabanda-1, benefits distributed to 26 lakh families amounted to Rs 2,500 crore and benefits worth Rs 3,500 crore to 35 lakh families were distributed during Rachabanda-2.
Distribution of pensions, interest-free loans, women and farmer loans were some of the components of the programme that brought laurels to the government, Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy said, adding, more than 50 lakh new beneficiaries/families would be benefited during Rachabanda-3.
Around 18 lakh ration cards would be distributed during the 15-day programme this time. In addition, sanction orders for pensions would be given to 8.65 lakh people and sanction orders for houses will be distributed to 16.25 lakh people. Of this, 4.98 lakh houses were meant for SCs and 5.15 lakh for STs. About 9 lakh groups would receive Rs. 345 crore worth loans by the time the third round was completed. The government had devised a mechanism to pay back the interest within 24 hours to farmers through online system. This year, interest repayment would be around Rs. 450 crore, he said.
Referring to minority welfare, Mr. Reddy said that the budget for minorities was a mere Rs. 15 crore in 90s. “The budget allocations were Rs. 188 crore when I assumed office. Now, it touched Rs. 1,027 crore.” The SC, ST Sub Plan was accorded legal sanctity. About Rs. 12,250 crore would be spent for the welfare of SCs and STs this year, he said.
Secondary Education Minister K. Parthasarathy, Official Language Commission chairman Mandali Buddha Prasad, Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, MLC Ilapuram Venkaiah, MLAs Sriram Rajagopal, Malladi Vishnu, Yelamanchili Ravi, Velampalli Srinivas and others were present.
