Khammam: Dalit Bandhu Scheme Faces Challenges as Beneficiaries Sell Off Units
The Dalit Bandhu scheme, introduced during the BRS government, aimed to empower Dalit families by providing them with units of their choice. However, the scheme’s purpose is being undermined as many beneficiaries have sold these units shortly after receiving them.
During a recent field inquiry by officials from the Khammam District SC Corporation, it was discovered that many beneficiaries in Chintakani mandal have sold the units. Chintakani mandal was selected as a pilot project for the scheme, and 3,462 families were given different types of units under the program. Out of these, 2,544 families received 100% of their units, but only 1,157 units are still with the original beneficiaries.
The field inquiry further revealed that the beneficiaries who still have their units are managing them well. However, 1,387 units have either been sold or are no longer in the hands of the original recipients. Additionally, 847 families only received partial units. Some beneficiaries provided lease documents for their units, but many did not have any paperwork to prove their claims.
The Dalit Bandhu scheme was initiated in 2021 under the then BRS government. A special officer was appointed for each village to educate the beneficiaries and distribute the units according to their needs. Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka pointed out that many units were sidetracked and called for a complete inquiry to ensure that the units are returned to the rightful beneficiaries. He also warned that legal action would be taken against those who threatened or took over the units.
Following this, officials conducted field surveys in the villages and submitted a detailed report to the Deputy CM. On Tuesday, Bhatti Vikramarka distributed Rs 15.54 crore to 847 people who had received partial units. It was found that many beneficiaries had sold their units for half of their value. Additionally, there are technical issues related to vehicle registration, as many vehicles are still registered under the names of the original beneficiaries.
