AI SummaryFarmer Suicide Ex-Gratia is a financial help scheme by the Government of Andhra Pradesh for families of farmers who have lost a loved one to suicide caused by agricultural distress. Under this scheme, eligible families receive an ex-gratia payment of ₹ 7,00,000 to help them rebuild their lives.
This support is managed by the Agriculture and Cooperation Department of Andhra Pradesh. It is meant for families of farmers and tenant farmers who died by suicide due to agrarian reasons, and the payment goes directly to the legal heirs of the deceased.
Farmer Suicide Ex-Gratia - Introduction
Farmer Suicide Ex-Gratia is a compassionate financial support scheme from the Andhra Pradesh government. It offers relief of ₹ 7,00,000 to the families of farmers or tenant farmers who lost a family member to suicide triggered by agrarian crises.
The scheme works as a rehabilitation package to help surviving family members cope with their loss. Reasons that often lead to such tragic outcomes include failed bore wells, mounting debt from high-cost commercial crop cultivation, non-remunerative market prices, and other regular financial pressures.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Farmer Suicide Ex-Gratia |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary Type | Individual, Family |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Category | Social welfare & Empowerment |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| Benefit Amount | ₹ 7,00,000 |
| Nodal Department | Agriculture |
Benefits
The scheme provides direct and practical support to families in deep distress. The main benefits are given below.
- Financial Aid: A lump sum compensation of ₹ 7,00,000 is paid directly to the legal heirs of the deceased.
- Dedicated Support: A Superintendent-rank officer at the Collector's office handles these cases so families get guidance without administrative delays.
- Priority Rehabilitation: Surviving family members are given top priority for support under other government welfare schemes for long-term stability.
- Grievance Resolution: A monthly Special Grievance Day is held at the Collectorate to address farmer distress, land issues, and concerns about available government support.
Eligibility
Families can get the benefit when they meet the criteria listed below.
- The deceased must have been a bona fide resident of Andhra Pradesh.
- The main cause of death must be verified as suicide due to agrarian reasons.
- Qualifying agrarian reasons include failed bore wells, unmanageable debt from commercial crops, high-interest private loans, bad weather, or heavy spending on healthcare, marriages, or education.
- A farmer includes every person, including tenant farmers and women farmers, who depends mainly on agricultural work for their livelihood.
- The support is meant for the legal heirs or surviving members of the farmer's immediate family.
Application Process
The process is started by local authorities so families are not burdened with complex paperwork during their time of grief. The steps are given below.
STEP 1 - When information is received, the District Collector, along with Agriculture and Revenue officials, visits the family to offer moral support and begin the required assessment.
STEP 2 - The Collector and District Magistrate prepare a formal report with specific recommendations for releasing the ex-gratia amount to the legal heirs.
STEP 3 - The Commissioner and Director of Agriculture verify the submitted proposals and approve the release of funds.
STEP 4 - Once finalised, the financial support is transferred directly to the bank account of the legal heirs.
Helpline Support: Friends, relatives, or any concerned citizen can alert the Collectorate about a farmer facing severe distress using the local helpline. Once alerted, the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) and staff start immediate contact to offer counselling and help restructure debts to shield the family from exploitative money lenders.
Documents
The following documents are needed to process the application.
- Residential or Domicile Certificate of the deceased.
- Passport size photograph.
- Formal proposal signed by the District Collector.
- Preliminary investigation report from the Mandal and Divisional level committees.
- Aadhaar card of the beneficiary.
- Ration card.
- Death Panchanama and Post Mortem report.
- Official Death Certificate and FIR copy.
- Copies of any relevant promissory notes.
- Bank account details of the valid legal heir, certified by the Tahsildar.
- If the deceased was a tenant farmer, provide evidence such as Revenue Records or the Crop Cultivators Rights Card (CCRC).
Definitions
Farmer
For this scheme, a farmer is any person who earns their main livelihood from agricultural activities. This includes landowners, tenant farmers, and women actively engaged in farming.
References
Agriculture Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh
News report on the ₹ 7 lakh ex-gratia announcement
FAQ's
What is the amount provided under Farmer Suicide Ex-Gratia?
The scheme provides a total financial support of ₹ 7,00,000 to the families of deceased farmers who meet the eligibility criteria.
Who qualifies as a farmer under this scheme?
The term includes any individual who depends on farming for their livelihood, from land-owning farmers to tenant farmers and women farmers.
How does the scheme protect families from money lenders?
Once the administration is alerted, the RDO and staff help the family by counselling and creating a package to discharge debts and protect them from pressure by private money lenders.
What is the role of the Special Grievance Day?
It is a monthly forum at the Collectorate where farmers can voice concerns about their livelihood, land issues, and access to other government support programs.
Can residents of other states apply?
No, this scheme is only for residents or those holding domicile status in Andhra Pradesh.