Telangana elections: Election model code of conduct stymies sheep distribution by government

HYDERABAD: Close to 3.55 lakh people in the State, who had applied and paid money for benefiting from second phase of sheep distribution scheme of the government are left in the lurch with the model code of conduct (MCC) being in force in the State. These people were to be given 74 lakh sheep under the scheme.

Recently, the Election Commission, citing the election code, did not allow distribution of Bathukamma sarees. However, distribution of Rythu Bandhu cheques to farmers was allowed by the EC but without publicity.In the first phase, of the 3.65 lakh applicants, 3.23 lakh persons were given 6.78 lakh sheep and 42,183 applicants have been left out. In addition to the second phase applicants, these 42,183 applicants of phase-one are also to be given their sheep. Thus, on the whole, 3,97,764 applicants are awaiting their sheep to be distributed by the animal husbandry department.

The government gives a 75% subsidy to the beneficiaries on the sheep and the rest of the cost is to be borne by the beneficiary.However, due to the election code, the sheep distribution has been halted across the State. The applicants had paid `32,500 each for their quota of 21 sheep —20 female sheep and one ram (male sheep). Now, they are worried not knowing whether the scheme would continue after the elections regardless of which party comes to power.

They also wonder how long they have to wait.  Speaking to Express, V Lakshma Reddy, managing director of Telangana State Sheep Development Co-operative Federation Limited, said, “We issued a circular with instructions to all districts collectors on sheep distribution.

The beneficiaries have been waiting for three months for their sheep. The districts collectors need to take a decision on the second-phase sheep distribution because the model code of conduct is in force.” According to him, the animal husbandry department is ready to supply the sheep and those beneficiaries who have paid the money by way of DDs need not be worried. “The sheep will be distributed if the Election Commission permits,” said Reddy.

It is reliably learnt that collectors have already received the circular from the department on sheep distribution.“The sheep distribution scheme should be seen as a regular process even though the election code is in place. The EC is likely to give clearance for continuance of the scheme but would confine it to pre-identified beneficiaries. No new beneficiaries would be added to the list,” said the sources.