The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Padma awards to ryots: State to pursue issue with Centre

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Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Padma awards to ryots: State to pursue issue with Centre

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has asked Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy to pursue with the Central government the issue of conferring Padma awards on farmers who excel in farm related activities.

The Chief Minister said the State government had already requested the Centre to include efficient farmers in the list of others selected for ‘Padma Sri’ awards for their contribution in ensuring food security to the country. Dr. Reddy reviewed the arrangements being made for presentation of State and district-level awards to best farmers at a function slated on Tuesday.

He recalled that the government’s efforts in promoting agriculture improved productivity significantly and turned farming into remunerative activity. Acknowledging the progress achieved here, the Centre had, in principle, agreed to enhance assistance to irrigation projects through Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP).

The measures launched by the government brought an additional ayacut of 11 lakh acres so far, it was proposed to extend irrigation facilities to 25 lakh acres more in the coming year.

Anti-Corruption Act

Meanwhile, in an interview to a private television channel, he said the government was contemplating to bring in necessary amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act, 1945 facilitating faster attachment of properties of corrupt people.

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