Andhra CM announces dole for farmers

In another major pre-poll sop, the Andhra Pradesh govt on Wednesday announced annual financial assistance of Rs 4,000 to every farmer in the state.

The cabinet meeting, chaired by CM N Chandrababu Naidu, approved the new scheme 'Annadata Sukhibhava', under which the state govt will give Rs 4,000 assistance in addition to Rs 6,000 announced by the Centre in the interim budget earlier this month. Farmers having more than five acres of land and not eligible under the Centre's scheme will get Rs 10,000 every year, he said. The cabinet also approved the decision to give smart phones along with SIM cards with three year connectivity will be given to poor women.