1,513 farmers committed suicide in AP between 2014-19: CM

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday (July 10) said that 1,513 farmers had committed suicide in the state from 2014 to 2019, but only 391 families were paid ex-gratia.

The Chief Minister stated this during a video conference with district Collectors and Superintendents of Police from the state headquarters. “Records of the District Crime Records Bureaus in the state indicate that 1,513 farmers committed suicide during 2014-19, but ex-gratia was paid in only 391 cases.”

He directed the Collectors to verify the records and extend compensation to all the eligible bereaved families immediately. “Go to those families along with the local MLA and instill confidence in them. Pay each of the families the ₹7 lakh ex-gratia from the government. We will bring in legislation to ensure that the ex-gratia amount does not fall into the wrong hands,” Jagan told the Collectors.

Jagan noted that this was a “people’s government” and one “filled with humanity”. “Our administration should reflect this,” he added. The Chief Minister also stressed on the need to eliminate corruption at all levels.

“I will start the cleaning-up from my level. You do it at your level. Call mandal-level officers, counsel them and then do the cleaning-up act,” he told the Collectors. He said that he should get a positive report from them in the next two to three months.

“The Intelligence wing should report to me that things are happening without the need for paying bribes,” Jagan said. Stating that he was giving strong signals against corruption, the Chief Minister said that it could help only 50 per cent.

“The rest is in your hands. District Collectors and SPs should focus on that and work with their hearts. It’s possible,” he said.