In a crucial announcement, the Telangana government has set the deadline for farmers to apply for the Rythu Bheema (Farmer’s Insurance) Scheme. Farmers must complete their applications by August 13, or risk missing out on a potential ₹5 lakh benefit that could offer financial support to their families in the event of an untimely death.
What is the Rythu Bheema Scheme?
The Rythu Bheema Scheme was launched in August 2018 with the aim of providing a safety net to farmers’ families in the unfortunate event of the farmer’s death. The government has introduced this scheme to ensure that the family of a deceased farmer receives financial aid to cope with the immediate aftermath. The scheme provides a one-time payment of ₹5 lakh to the farmer’s nominee in case of death, irrespective of the cause, whether natural or accidental.
The best part about the scheme is that farmers don’t have to pay a single rupee for it. The government bears the full premium to the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), which means that the scheme doesn’t impose any financial burden on the farmers. All the eligible farmers need to do is apply before the deadline.
Key Benefits of the Rythu Bheema Scheme
- ₹5 Lakh Financial Aid: In the event of a farmer’s death, a sum of ₹5 lakh is directly deposited into the bank account of the nominated beneficiary. This amount is meant to provide essential financial support to the family during a challenging time.
- No Premium Payment: The entire insurance premium is paid by the government to LIC, making it a completely free service for eligible farmers.
- No Discrimination: The scheme applies regardless of whether the death is natural or accidental, ensuring that all farmers are covered equally under the policy.
- Quick Disbursement: The payout is made directly to the family’s bank account, making the financial assistance accessible without any bureaucratic hurdles.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Rythu Bheema scheme, farmers must meet the following conditions:
- Age: Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 59 years.
- Land Title: Farmers must have patta-dar passbooks (land title deeds) that are registered in their name.
- Nominee: There must be a designated nominee, as the ₹5 lakh insurance payout is given to them in case of the farmer’s death.
- New Farmers: Farmers who have recently received their patta-dar passbooks (land title deeds) or have been newly registered should also apply, as they may not have been included in earlier lists.
- Previously Eligible Farmers: Farmers who were previously eligible but failed to apply earlier are urged to apply by the deadline to avail the benefit.
Here’s a quick overview of the eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
| Age | 18 to 59 years |
| Land Ownership | Patta-dar passbook in the farmer’s name |
| Nominee | A designated nominee for the payout |
| New Applicants | Farmers with newly registered patta-dar passbooks |
| Previously Eligible | Farmers who didn’t enroll earlier |
How to Apply for Rythu Bheema
Farmers who meet the eligibility criteria need to submit the following documents to complete their application for the Rythu Bheema scheme:
- Rythu Bheema Application Form: This can be collected from the nearest Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) office or online portals if available.
- Photocopy of Patta-dar Passbook: A copy of the farmer’s land title deed (patta-dar passbook) or a digital copy of the same signed by the MRO must be submitted.
- Aadhaar Cards: Both the farmer’s and the nominee’s Aadhaar cards are required to authenticate identity.
- Age Proof: Applicants should ensure they are within the 18-59 years age range. Age proofs may be required if there is any doubt.
Once the application form and required documents are submitted, the insurance will be activated, and the scheme will remain in effect until the farmer turns 60.
Other Welfare Schemes for Farmers in Telangana
The Telangana government has introduced several schemes aimed at supporting farmers. Apart from the Rythu Bheema, there’s also the Rythu Bandhu scheme, which provides direct financial assistance to farmers for their cultivation costs. The government recently disbursed ₹9,000 crore under this scheme, helping farmers with the costs of seeds, fertilisers, and other farming inputs.
While Rythu Bandhu focuses on investment support, Rythu Bheema ensures that farmers’ families are taken care of in case of an unfortunate loss. Together, these schemes form a vital part of the state’s commitment to the agricultural sector.
Important Updates and Reminders
- Deadline Alert: The last date to apply for the Rythu Bheema scheme is August 13, so farmers are urged to complete their applications before the deadline.
- Online Applications: In some areas, farmers can submit their applications online through the official government website or mobile app. However, physical submission is also available at MRO offices.
- No Late Applications: There will be no extension for applications after August 13. The government has clearly warned that farmers who fail to apply will lose out on the ₹5 lakh benefit.
- Helpline: For any assistance, farmers can contact the nearest MRO office or the Rythu Bheema helpline for help with their application process.
The Rythu Bheema scheme offers crucial financial support to farmers’ families, ensuring that they are not left vulnerable in the event of a farmer’s death.
As the deadline for applications approaches, Telangana’s agriculture department has emphasised the importance of timely registration. Farmers who are eligible and yet to apply must act quickly to secure this important benefit for their families.
Vikas Kumar holds an MA in Political Science and has a strong background in government projects, having worked on various contractual initiatives aimed at public welfare. He created this website to share essential updates on government schemes, aiming to empower citizens with the information they need to access valuable resources.
