President lauds AP's compensation scheme to farmers

Hyderabad, Dec 30 (UNI) President Pratibha Patil today lauded the Andhra Pradesh government for paying compensation to farmers, whose land was acquired for setting up Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

An official release here said the President appreciated the government's initiatives when Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy called on her at Rashrapati Niyalam.

Ms Patil also appreciated the state government's women empowerment programmes taken up through Self Help Groups (SHGs).

The Chief Minister briefed the President about the comprehensive and integrated relief and rehabilitation package for the farmers, while acquiring the land.

He also told her about the state government's 'Pavala vaddi' scheme for women SHGs.

Dr Reddy also told the President that about 1.8 crore BPL families were getting benefits under Rajiv Arogyasree Scheme, which offered corporate medicare and insurance coverage upto Rs two lakh to the poor.

UNI