Bharat Jodo Yatra: Palamuru Ranga Reddy project, education discussed on day 3 at Mahabubnagar

Hyderabad: Congress leaders, including MPs Rahul Gandhi, Jairam Ramesh, and Uttam Reddy, Telangana CLP Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and ex-MP Madhu Goud Yaskhi met representatives of various groups to discuss the developmental challenges of Mahabubnagar district, specifically education-related issues.

These engagements are part of the ongoing interactions Congress leaders are having with diverse social, economic, religious, ethnic, and cultural groups during the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Speaking at the meeting, Professor Hargopal said Mahabubnagar was one of the most economically backward districts in the country, facing massive migrations. Despite the Krishna river flowing through Mahabubnagar, there was a paucity of water for farming leading to extreme poverty and migrations. Despite earlier promises, the Palamuru Ranga Reddy project is yet to be implemented, the professor said.

Varsha Bhargavi from the group 'Where are the Women' spoke about how the state's scheme to give money to parents of girls getting married is leading to a decline in educational opportunities for them. It was proposed that the state should give the family an option to use the money for the girls' higher education or marriage, as they chose.

Divya Sai, a student, said there was a two-year delay in fee reimbursement which had made it very difficult for economically challenged students to continue their education.

In response, Rahul Gandhi thanked everyone for their time and said it was a tragedy that students are being forced to take up low-paying jobs instead of continuing their education. Mr. Gandhi said he was "very clear that healthcare and education were the prime responsibility of the government and should not be left solely to private enterprises." Done properly, this can create large employment opportunities for people, he said and added that his party will look into the Palamuru Ranga Reddy project before plotting out a course of action.