The Telangana government has initiated stringent measures to curb the misuse of the Rythu Bandhu (now Rythu Bharosa) scheme, which provided financial aid to farmers during the BRS government. Authorities have started issuing notices to individuals who converted agricultural lands for non-agricultural purposes yet continued to receive substantial Rythu Bandhu benefits annually.
First Notice Issued in Medchal-Malkajgiri District
In a significant move, the government has sent a notice to Yadagiri Reddy, a resident of Pocharam village in Ghatkesar mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Reddy is required to repay Rs 16 lakh, an amount he received under the Rythu Bandhu scheme for 33 acres of land, which he illegally converted into plots and sold.
Cracking Down on Fraudulent Claims
This case marks the first known instance of the government taking action against a landowner for fraudulently claiming Rythu Bandhu benefits on non-agricultural land. The state has demanded a refund of the Rs 16 lakh received for the 33 acres, emphasizing that the scheme is strictly for agricultural land.
Revenue Recovery and Land Reclassification
The revenue department has invoked the Revenue Recovery Act to reclaim the funds disbursed under the scheme. The land in question, previously classified as agricultural in the Dharani land records, was still recorded as such, allowing Reddy to continue receiving benefits. Following a complaint, Medchal Collector Gowtham Potru conducted an investigation, resulting in the reclassification of the land to non-agricultural to halt further Rythu Bandhu payments.
Wider Impact in Urban Districts
This incident has shed light on a broader issue: in urban districts like Medchal-Malkajgiri, Rangareddy, Sangareddy, Yadadri, and Vikarabad, substantial agricultural lands have been illegally converted into non-agricultural plots without approval from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) or the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP).
Efforts to Verify Rythu Bandhu Payments
The Medchal collector has directed all tahsildars to verify Rythu Bandhu payments. Preliminary estimates indicate that while approximately 30,000 acres of land in Ghatkesar mandal is designated for agriculture, Rythu Bandhu benefits are being claimed for 66,000 acres, nearly double the actual agricultural land.
Coordinated Effort Required for Land Identification
Identifying and reclassifying such ‘agricultural’ land on paper poses a significant challenge for the revenue department. This task will require coordination with the agriculture, panchayat raj, and registration departments to ensure thorough verification and proper classification.
Conclusion: A Call for Transparency and Accountability
The Telangana government’s recent actions underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the distribution of Rythu Bandhu benefits. By addressing fraudulent claims and ensuring that only eligible agricultural lands receive financial aid, the government aims to maintain the integrity of the scheme and support genuine farmers. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of proper land classification and the ongoing efforts to prevent the misuse of agricultural subsidies.