EC to Take a Call on Second Phase of 'Rythu Bandhu' Scheme: TL CEO

Hyderabad, Sep 27 (PTI) Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Rajath Kumar Thursday said the second phase of the free life insurance scheme for farmers would be referred to the Election Commission (EC) for its suggestion, in view of the Model Code of Conduct implemented in the state.

The state government is implementing the Rythu Bandhu scheme, under which the assistance of Rs 8,000 an acre to all eligible farmers in two instalments of Rs 4,000 each would be given.

The first phase of the scheme was completed in May/June with about 50 lakh farmers receiving the cheques and the second phase of cheque distribution is slated in the second week of November.

"There would not be any problem with respect to the ongoing schemes. However, we will refer the matter to the Election Commission and seek their opinion," Rajath Kumar told reporters.

The Election Commission Thursday said the model code of conduct shall come into operation with immediate effect in the States which are under caretaker governments.

In a communication to the Chief Secretaries of all the States, the EC said the model code would be in force till the completion of the election to constitute the new Legislative Assembly.

Telangana Cabinet had on September 6 recommended dissolution of the Assembly before the government completed its five-year term.

A team of senior officials from the EC recently visited the State andtook not of the preparedness for polls.

On the electoral list, Kumar said as on September 27 they received over 28.58 lakh claims and objections with regards to the voters' list and out of which 14.90 lakh are still pending.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)