Is ‘3 acres for Dalits’ possible in Telangana?

Giving 3 acres of Dalit families is one of the most prominent poll promises of Telangana Rashtra Samiti. The scheme which benefits over 18 Lakh Dalit families across the state should start from August 15th. However at least 54 lakh acres or nearly one-fifth of the total area of the state is required for the scheme and officials are having night mares in land acquisition. It is said that even at current government rates, the scheme will cost 64800 Crores to the state exchequer.

This amount is equal to the budget of the state to be present this month. According to the Land Acquisition Act, the government must pay four times the market rate for acquiring land in rural areas. If we consider the average cost of land in the state as Rs. 3 lakh an acre, the state government would end up paying Rs 64,800 crore, which is almost the budget size, pegged at Rs 70,000 crore. It is said that the government is planning to approach the Center for help in this regard.