Over 1,500 farmers committed suicide in Andhra Pradesh in past 5 years, but ex-gratia paid in only 391 cases: Jagan Mohan Reddy

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday said 1,513 farmers had committed suicide in the state from 2014 to 2019, but only 391 families were paid ex-gratia. [caption id=“attachment_6696611” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Andhra Pradesh chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. Image courtesy: @ysjagan/Facebook[/caption] The chief minister stated this during a videoconference 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 Rs seven lakh ex gratia from the government. We will bring in a legislation to ensure that the ex-gratia amount does not fall into the wrong hands,” Jagan told the Collectors. Jagan noted that his 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 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 it could help only 50 percent. “The rest is in your hands. District Collectors and SPs should focus on that and work with their hearts. It’s possible,” he said.