The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Lend a hand to distressed ryots: CM

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 31, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Lend a hand to distressed ryots: CM

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, MAY 30. The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on Sunday appealed to political parties, artistes, teachers, Government employees, particularly those of local bodies, and intellectuals to come to the rescue of farmers who are in distress.

In a statement issued here, Dr. Reddy urged different sections of the population to instil confidence in farmers so that they could face future boldly. He told them to bring together farmers at the mandal and district level, get to know their problems and help remove their apprehensions.

"It is your duty to express solidarity with them and prevail upon farmers not to resort to suicide. You should immediately realise this responsibility and discharge it so that they don't lose their self-confidence," the statement said.

The Chief Minister assured farmers that the Government would always be supportive in providing the required relief to them. He recalled signing of the file providing free power supply to the agriculture sector soon after taking the oath of office. The Government had also waived their dues and announced assistance to the families of farmers who had committed suicide. The Government was taking steps to come to the rescue of those who were in heavy debts.

He asserted that the Government was taking measures to prevent harassment in realisation of loan dues and to ensure that farmers would not face problems of spurious seed and insecticides. It was also considering steps to reduce the burden of their private loan.

The Chief Minister expressed deep anguish over the rising rate of suicide by farmers, who, he noted, were unable to face pressures of having to pay heavy debts and looked at ending their lives as the only option left. If this trend continued, he noted, it would bring his Government into disrepute. Hence they should not take desperate measures, whatever be the provocation.

While calling upon the farming community to look to the future with hope in view of the early arrival of monsoon, Dr. Reddy said it should not lose the sense of confidence and purpose. "Farmers should bring cheer to their families."

He recalled the support extended by farmers during his padayatra, bus yatra and jaitra yatra prior to the Assembly elections and said the affection displayed by them was unforgettable. It was because of their blessings that he could become the Chief Minister and the Congress could come back to power.

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