EC withdraws permission to Telangana to disburse aid under Rythu Bandhu Scheme

The Election Commission on Monday revoked the authorization granted to the Telangana government for distributing financial assistance to farmers for rabi crops under the Rythu Bandhu Scheme, according to an official statement. EC said, “There shall be no disbursement under the Scheme till the Model Code of Conduct in the State of Telangana ceases to apply in all its forms.” “The Commission has observed that T Harish Rao, Minister of Finance and Heath and Family Welfare, Govt of Telangana. “It is noted that Rabi instalments of Rythu Bandhu assistance were disbursed by the State of Telangana during October-January in last five years and there is neither any fix date of disbursement prescribed in the scheme, nor any special significance of disbursement in the month of November is assigned in design or performance of the scheme,” the statement added. Even before the farmers complete their breakfast and tea, the amount will be credited into their account.” "The Commission has directed that the permission granted vide its letter dated November 25, 2023 for disbursement of rabi season instalment under the ongoing Rythu Bandhu scheme during currency of MCC, shall stand withdrawn immediately and there shall be no disbursement under the Scheme till the Model Code of Conduct in the State of Telangana ceases to apply in all its form," the letter read.