Sharmila alleges farmers betrayed under Annadata Sukhibhava Scheme

The criticism comes after the state government released the first installment of financial assistance under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme on June 20, The benefit was extended to nearly 46.86 lakh farmer families

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila has launched a sharp attack on the Chandrababu Naidu-led government, alleging that farmers have once again been shortchanged under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme. She claimed that the government released only partial financial assistance and failed to fulfill the promises made to the farming community, marking what she described as the third consecutive year of injustice towards farmers.

The criticism comes after the state government released the first installment of financial assistance under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme on June 20. The benefit was extended to nearly 46.86 lakh farmer families, with each beneficiary receiving Rs 7,000, including Rs 5,000 from the state government and Rs 2,000 under the Centre’s PM-Kisan scheme.

Responding through social media, Sharmila questioned the government’s claims and accused it of excluding a significant number of eligible farmers from the scheme. She pointed out that Andhra Pradesh has nearly 60 lakh eligible farmers, but financial assistance was provided only to a section of them. According to her, several deserving beneficiaries were left out despite the government’s assurances.

The APCC chief further alleged that the coalition government had failed to honor key promises made before the elections. She said assurances relating to enhanced investment support, remunerative minimum support prices for crops, and comprehensive crop insurance coverage have not been implemented effectively. Farmers, she argued, continue to face financial distress despite repeated assurances from the government.

Sharmila also demanded that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu issue a public apology to farmers for failing to deliver on election commitments. She maintained that the state government should independently implement the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme in its entirety rather than depending on funds provided under the Central government’s PM-Kisan programme.