Give assent to 42% BC reservation bills: CM Revanth appeals to Centre in his I-Day speech

Hyderabad: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy today appealed to the central government to give assent to the bills passed by the state legislature, granting 42 percent reservation to backward classes (BCs).

“Our government passed bills in the assembly to provide 42% reservations for BC in local bodies, education, and employment. I urge the central government to approve these bills promptly,” he said.

He was addressing a gathering after hoisting the tricolor at Golconda Fort. He said the progress of India is not a recent phenomenon but a journey of 79 years, laced with hard work, sacrifice, and the vision of great leaders

Reddy said his government is committed to making Telangana a leading state in the country. T

he Chief Minister detailed several key initiatives undertaken by his government since taking office on December 7, 2023.

Social Welfare and Justice

Social Telangana: Reddy announced historical decisions for social justice, including a caste census to fulfill the century-old dream of backward classes.

SC Categorization: The state has become the first in the country to categorize Scheduled Castes, dividing the 59 sub-castes into three groups. February 4th will be celebrated as 'Telangana Social Justice Day'.

Reservations: The government passed bills in the assembly to provide 42% reservations for Backward Classes in local bodies, education, and employment. Reddy urged the central government to approve these bills promptly.

Food Security and Agriculture

Fine Rice Distribution: The government launched a "fine rice" distribution program, spending ₹13,000 crores to provide fine rice to 3.10 crore people, ensuring food security and dignity.

New Ration Cards: New ration cards are being distributed across the state starting July 14th, bringing relief to many who had been waiting for a decade.

Rythu Bharosa: The "Indiramma Rythu Bharosa" scheme offers ₹12,000 per acre in investment support to 70.11 lakh farmers, with an additional ₹500 bonus per quintal for fine paddy. The government has also provided ₹20,616 crores in loan waivers for 25.35 lakh farmers.

Free Power: The government is providing free electricity to 29 lakh pump sets, with a subsidy of ₹16,691 crores to power companies.

Healthcare and Housing

Aarogyasri: The 'Aarogyasri' health scheme's coverage has been doubled from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.

Osmania Hospital: A new Osmania Hospital complex is being constructed at a cost of ₹2,700 crores.

Indiramma Houses: The government sanctioned 3,500 "Indiramma houses" in each constituency, at a cost of ₹22,500 crores.

Women and Youth Empowerment

Mahalakshmi Scheme: The "Mahalakshmi" scheme provides free bus travel for women in RTC buses. This has saved women ₹6,790 crores.

Employment: The government has filled nearly 60,000 jobs in the last 20 months.

Drug-Free Telangana: A special initiative named 'Eagle' has been launched to combat the drug menace and ensure a drug-free state.

The chief minister once again brought to the people the financial health of the state. He explained that the Congress government has inherited a staggering debt of Rs 8,21,651 crores.

₹6,71,757 crores in loans.

₹40,154 crores in arrears for employees and various schemes.

₹1,09,740 crores in outstanding payments to departments like SC/ST Sub-plan, Singareni, and electricity.

Despite this immense financial burden, the government has already serviced this debt by paying a total of ₹2,20,676 crores, which includes ₹1,32,498 crores in principal and ₹88,178 crores in interest.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed his government's commitment to transparent governance, inclusive development, and making Telangana a role model for the nation.