I-Day: KCR waives off loan to 9L farmers, lists achievements of 'model state'

Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Tuesday said that though India’s progress in the 75 years since independence was laudable, the desired goals are yet to be reached.

Speaking after hoisting the National Flag at the historic Golconda Fort, KCR said that the country has abundant natural resources and hardworking people, but the ideal utilisation of resources is not taking place due to the inefficiency of the rulers and ideological bankruptcy.

“People are suffering unnecessarily despite having resources,” he said. The CM further said that the poverty of Dalits, Adivasis, minorities and backward classes is yet to be eradicated.

Highlighting the state’s progress in the past decade, the CM said that Telangana was once a ‘neglected state’ under the Union government. But it has now become a ‘model state’ under his leadership. He pointed to the state’s achievements in areas such as agriculture, irrigation, power, education, and healthcare.

Achievements in power and agriculture

- Telangana leads the nation in per capita income and per capita electricity consumption.

- The government revolutionised the power sector, providing 24/7 free quality electricity to sectors.

- Despite heavy rains and floods, the government swiftly responded to protect lives and property.

Empowering farmers and rural development

- Telangana’s farmer welfare initiatives set a national example.

- 9 lakh farmers were waived of crop loans, and irrigation projects like Mission Kakatiya rejuvenated agriculture.

- Grain yield reached 3 crore tonnes, making Telangana a rice production leader.

Housing, water, and welfare schemes

- Double-bedroom houses and the Grilahakshmi scheme empowered the poor.

- Mission Bhagiratha ensures free clean drinking water for all households.

- Telangana excels in welfare, from Dalits to Brahmins, with various schemes promoting self-reliance.

Weaver support, pension increases, and inclusivity

- Weavers receive subsidies and support, including insurance coverage.

- Pension benefits extended to elderly, widows, disabled, single women, and more.

- The government increased disability pension and reduced the pension age limit.

Strengthening RTC and workforce welfare

- Telangana’s government allocated Rs 1,500 crore annually to bolster the RTC after state formation.

- Successful reforms improved RTC’s performance, though challenges persisted.

- A significant decision to merge 43,373 RTC employees into the government workforce was enacted, securing the RTC’s future and staff welfare.

Remarkable healthcare advancements

- Telangana made incredible strides in healthcare, establishing 21 medical colleges and nursing institutions.

- Vision correction, dialysis centres, and nutrition programs have yielded exceptional results, positioning Telangana as a healthcare leader.

- Four super speciality hospitals around Hyderabad, along with expanded NIMS facilities, are enhancing healthcare access.

Dedication to orphan care and employee welfare

- Telangana’s compassionate approach led to a comprehensive ‘Orphan Policy’ to care for orphaned children.

- State employees, including contract and outsourced staff, received unprecedented pay raises, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being.

Revitalising Singareni and pay scales for all

- Singareni’s turnover surged from Rs 12,000 crore to Rs 33,000 crore, benefiting workers with festive bonuses.

- Telangana government ensured equitable pay by implementing pay scales for various personnel.

Infrastructure and urban development

- A strategic road development program worth Rs 67,149 crore aimed to transform Hyderabad into a traffic-congestion-free metropolis.

- Metro rail expansion in all directions of Hyderabad, connecting with key points and the airport, is set to cover 415 km.

Education and governance reform

- Telangana Gurukul junior colleges exceeded 1,000 in number, setting a new educational standard.

- Infrastructure upgrades, including the Mana Uru-Mana Badi initiative, empowered 26,000 schools.

- Decentralised governance initiatives led to the creation of new districts, integrated collectorates, and gram panchayats for tribal communities.

Industrial and IT sector success

- The TSIPAS Act facilitated hassle-free industrial approvals, driving investments of Rs 2,51,000 crore and creating 17,21,000 jobs.

- The IT sector thrived, with employee count doubling and exports skyrocketing from Rs 57,258 crore to Rs 2,41,275 crore.

Poverty reduction and inclusive development

- Telangana’s multi-dimensional poverty index indicated a substantial decrease, with a poverty rate of 5.88 per cent in 2019-21, down from 13.18 per cent in 2015-16.

- Comprehensive, inclusive development strategies encompassed rural and urban areas, benefiting all sections of society.