Governor Varma outlines Congress govt plans in Assembly speech; Budget on March 19

Hyderabad: While delivering his Budget session speech on Wednesday, governor Jishnu Dev Varma outlined the Congress government’s extensive development plans, which include vows to rethink urban infrastructure and economic growth—particular emphasis on the much-discussed Future City construction—revitalisation of the Musi River and Metro Rail expansion.

The governor addressed the joint session of the State Assembly and Legislative Council with the Budget Session speech. In his 36-minute speech, governor Varma outlined a number of the Congress government’s objectives. A 17-page English document detailing the State’s accomplishments and ambitions served as the basis for the speech.

‘Bold reforms and people-centred governance’

The governor’s speech emphasised Telangana’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

He commended the State’s change, ‘led by bold reforms, people-centred governance and strong leadership.’ Governor Varma cited Mahatma Gandhi to emphasise the government’s focus on serving the people and creating a future based on dignity and fairness.

Loan waiver and Krishna River water sharing mentioned

The address highlighted several initiatives by the State government, including a Rs 2 lakh crop loan waiver and increased financial aid under the Rythu Bharosa scheme to help farmers. The governor also praised Telangana’s development as the nation’s leading paddy producer, as well as the State’s efforts to get its proper share of Krishna River water.

In his speech on women’s empowerment, governor Varma discussed the Indira Mahila Shakti Mission and the Mahalakshmi Scheme, stating that they support women’s financial independence and entrepreneurship. He also brought up programs that aim to empower young people, such as the Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhaya Hastham Scheme and the Young India Skill University.

‘Telangana’s industrial development’

Varma also spoke about Telangana’s quest for industrial development.

He added that the ‘Telangana Rising’ delegation, led by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, received investments worth Rs 1.78 lakh crore at the World Economic Forum, resulting in 49,500 new jobs. The governor said that the State’s broader economic vision included a new MSME policy, a tourist strategy and plans to install 6,000 EV charging stations by 2030.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to agriculture, education and social welfare, governor Varma emphasised the administration’s dedication to ensuring holistic progress for Telangana. With the announcement of ‘Jaya Jayahe Telangana Janani Jaya Ketanam’ as the official State song and the State’s intentions to commemorate literary greats like Gaddar and Bandi Yadagiri, the governor praised Telangana’s rich cultural heritage.

KCR attends Assembly

Almost a year after, BRS president and former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) attended the Assembly to highlight the failures of the Congress government for its unfulfilled poll promises, including the much-touted six guarantees.

Telangana Budget on March 19

The Budget Session of the Telangana Assembly will continue till March 27.

A decision to this effect was taken during the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting held in speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar’s chambers here on Wednesday. Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present the Budget on March 19. A discussion on the Budget will be held on March 21.