The district administration will register criminal cases against those selling or buying the sheep that were distributed by the state government for uplift of Yadav community, said District Collector Prashanth Jeevan Patil.
To prevent the recycling of sheep, borders of the district were heavily guarded with check posts. A toll free helpline — 1800 425 3424 — was set up to receive complaints from general public on irregularities, misuse or corruption in the implementation of the sheep distribution scheme, the Collector said.
“So far we have no such complaints of recycling of sheep unlike the case in other districts. We have so far distributed 1,970 units of sheep,” he added.
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According to him, there were 131 traditional cooperative societies of Yadavs and 113 new societies were formed recently. In all there were 244 cooperative societies with 26,135 members.
Phase-wise
It was decided to distribute sheep to 13,000 members this year and the rest next year. Mr. Patil said efforts were made to extend the scheme to 10,000 beneficiaries. For the next 3,000 beneficiaries, the sheep is being identified in other districts or states. To provide fodder to the sheep, the district administration has procured four lakh plants – babul, subabul, avisha and stylo among others.
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The fodder seed is also being distributed to the community based societies, the Collector explained. Plantation of babul, subabul and stylo on tank bunds and government lands would begin in big way soon. Mobile veterinary vans would be pressed into service one in each mandal from next month.
‘Long-term gain’
Mr. Patil appealed to beneficiaries to utilize the scheme and empower themselves economically rather look for immediate gain.
“Some beneficiaries do not know the value of the scheme and they prefer to sell away the animals and make money. But the district administration will book an FIR against both the seller and the buyer,” he said wanting the beneficiaries to keep sheep for next five years and beyond to reap benefits. Joint Director (Animal Husbandry) S. Venkaiah Naidu and officials were present.