The Chief Minister directed the release of Rs. 1,200 crores for conducting the Rachabanda program within the state.
Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday asked the Finance Department to release Rs. 1,200 crores of the Rs. 2,500 crores which is estimated to cost the state exchequer for conducting the Rachabanda program.
This program will benefit around 18 lakh individuals and 6.5 lakh SHG group members in all the schemes put together.
The Chief Minister has already directed the District Collectors to complete the arrangements for the 'Rachabanda' program. He also hoped that the ministers, legislators and people's representatives would fully utilise the opportunity to get a first- hand feedback from the people on the many welfare programs launched by the government, and take up redressal of their grievances. He also exhorted the officials to be ready to resolve the people's grievances on the spot as far as possible.
The state government will conduct the program from January 24th to February 12th throughout the state to instil confidence among the public by redressing their grievances on the spot in a bid to take the administration to the doorsteps of the people. Besides, the program provides an opportunity to the ministers, people's representatives and officials to oversee the implementation of developmental programs, strengthen delivery mechanism to the targeted people, and to take stock of the situation at a focal point at gram panchayat level in their own territories. The thrust areas in Rachabanda program are: ration cards, pensions, YSR Abhayahastam, Arogyasri, housing, MGNREGS and Pavala Vaddi in rural and urban areas.
As far as the issue of ration cards is concerned, the Chief Minister has decided to issue temporary cards to 5.7 lakh eligible families identified under integrated survey for 3 months for obtaining ration until these temporary cards are made permanent. The temporary cards/coupons would be handed over during the program. These temporary cards can also be used for obtaining other benefits like admission to educational institutions, scholarships, housing, Arogyasri and so on. Besides, fresh applications for ration cards would also be received during the program.
Regarding sanction of pensions, it was decided to dispose all pending applications/appeals for pensions. Fresh applications will also be received during the program for processing, and it will be ensured that all eligible old-aged, widows and disabled persons, who do not possess ration cards, also receive pension after proper verification. Around 3 lakh new pensions would be provided during the program by following saturation principle with state as a unit.
In Dr. YSR Abhaya Hastham, all pending eligible applicants enrolled earlier would be sanctioned pension under the scheme during Rachabanda. It will be ensured that all eligible SC/ST women are covered under the scheme on saturation basis. Around 4.60 lakh new SC/ST women would be covered during the Rachabanda program.
Under Arogyasri scheme, all Arogyasri/white card holders are eligible to get benefits. In case an eligible family does not possess Arogyasri/white card, applications will be taken and processed.
Regarding housing, some 4.7 lakh new houses would be provided during the program. The amount required up to basement level will be paid along with the sanction letters during the program
Regarding MGNREGS, job cards to the eligible households would be issued before Rachabanda program. If any request for job cards is received during the program, the cards will be given immediately after due verification. The Chief Minister said that wage days have been increased from 100 days to 125 days. Similarly, the wage rate from the present Rs. 90 per day is increased to Rs.121 per day.
In Pavala Vaddi in rural and urban areas, all the pending bills under IKP Pavala Vaddi/MEPMA up to March 31st, 2010, totalling an amount of Rs. 439 crore, would be cleared before Rachabanda. Directions were given for revival of defunct SHGs before the program.
These programs are targeted for the benefit of the people as a whole, particularly the weaker sections/BPL families. The Rachabanda would enable the government to review of all these schemes at focal point level, and lead to a responsive and responsible administration in addition to timely completion of the schemes, and proper utilization of funds meant for the targeted groups.
The government is committed to provide all basic needs to the people for enhanced quality of life for every man, woman and child in the state. In order to achieve the above, the Chief Minister, the cabinet ministers, MLAs, and other people's representatives will visit all GPs/wards under the program, and interact directly with the people, particularly farmers and agricultural labourers.
Courtesy: INN