Hyderabad:
Along with hiking the compensation for the families of farmers who committed suicide, Telangana has roped in sports icons to help distressed farmers, including Jwala Gutta, Pragyan Ojha and Sania Mirza.
The state has announced the hike of compensation from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh, but has made it applicable for deaths that occur after September 19 - a move that has drawn criticism.
The sportspersons have been brought together by her NGO Telangana Jagruthi, said Kalvakuntla Kavita, a lawmaker of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi. As farm ambassadors, they will be expected to help draw attention to the farmers' plight.
Besides, the families of 80 farmers will be adopted by her non-profit, said Ms Kavitha (does she have a second name? sounds very Bollywood).
Badminton star Jwala Gutta said, "Everyone should contribute. It has been an ongoing battle. Been hearing for a long, long time about farmer suicide deaths. It is time for us to come together."
"They are the backbone of our country. We need to stand up for them, contribute for their well-being and be responsible citizens. I will keep contributing in whatever I can,'' she added.
Cricketer Pragyan Ojha, who comes from a farmer family, said he relates to the problems personally. "From my grandfather's time, I have heard of the stories of struggle. We all are here to help. This has to stop somewhere. We will do our bit as citizen of Telangana and India,'' said the cricketer.
Telangana's brand ambassador Sania Mirza was represented by her mother, since she is on tour to China.
Opposition parties claim over 1,200 farmers have killed themselves over the last year in Telangana. Government records say the figure is 430, of which 141 have been found eligible for compensation. But the new compensation will not be paid to their families.