Telangana farmers anxious as Congress govt fails to pay premium under Rythu Bima

The farming community in Telangana is worried as the Congress government appears to have drawn the curtains on the popular Rythu Bima scheme, which has been implemented for the past eight years. The move comes at a time when farmers are already concerned about deficit rainfall due to El Nino and its impact on production.

Under Rythu Bima, the State government provides insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh to farmers in case of any eventuality. The government pays a premium of nearly Rs 1,350 crore towards the implementation of the scheme.

The last date for payment of the premium to



the Life Insurance Corporation of India was August 14. However, the State government has not paid the premium for the insurance coverage to be extended to farmers.

As the premium has not been paid, the insurance coverage would not be offered and no benefits would be available to the farmer’s families.

The uncertainty over the implementation of Rythu Bima is leaving farmers worried.

“When it comes to farmers’ welfare, governments should set aside politics and strive for the benefit of ryots,” said Yadagiri Reddy of Telangana Farmers Federation.