FGG for independent review on sheep distributions scheme

Appeals to Governor to direct CS to conduct an inquiry

Forum for Good Governance (FGG) has appealed to Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan to direct Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar to conduct an independent review on the sheep distribution scheme. This is to have a correct appraisal about the efficacy since mutton price continues to be high despite lakhs of animals being distributed in the first phase even as the second phase has commenced with thousands of crores already spent. Forum secretary M. Padmanabha Reddy, in a communication to the Governor, a copy of which was released to the media, on Saturday, said that the sheep distribution programme began in 2016-17 with 3.74 lakh sheep at ₹5,000 crore and in the second phase, 3.50 lakh sheep costing ₹6,000 crore to be distributed covering a total of seven lakh shepherd families. “The ground reality contrary to what the government claims is totally different with 24 officials suspended for their role in supply of sub-standard sheep. Since there was no marketing mechanism, many beneficiaries had sold off the animals with middlemen making merry. Getting a loan at 11% too, has become tough for the beneficiaries,” he claimed.