Plea to kick-start sheep distribution -II

Himayathnagar: The Telangana Goat-Rearers' Association has represented to Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav demanding immediate commencement of the second phase of sheep distribution and steps to solve the problems of the members.

The representation said 3,67,020 persons were not provided sheep by the State government during the first phase. The government identified 7,29,067 beneficiaries after the launch of the scheme in June 2017, but only 3,34,619 were given the animals. It was pointed out that the second phase of distribution was delayed in 2018 and was stopped because of the election code of conduct.

The association leaders informed the minister that the sheep-rearers were looking forward to the second phase of distribution for the last three months since the code lapsed. They also demanded a sheep research centre in the State, expansion of the Meat Development Corporation in Chengicharla by allotting more funds, free distribution of five buffaloes to Golla Kurumas of Hyderabad and payment of ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh to the goat/sheep-rearers killed in accidents, besides pension to those aged above 50 years.

The minister assured the leaders that the government would take up the second phase of sheep distribution at the earliest.