Constancy of schemes

Late Dr. Marri Chennareddy, despite vociferously spearheading the first phase of separate Telangana Movement, could not achieve statehood during his time. Consequent to a lull in the movement for a while due to its vicious suppression by the Congress leadership of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, elections were held in the state in 1971. Telangana Praja Samithi under the leadership of Dr. Chennareddy swept the poll by winning 10 out of 11 Lok Sabha seats in the Telangana region. In spite of this Telangana was not formed thanks to the only stumbling block in the form of Congress. Otherwise, there would have been a separate Telangana state long ago.

Three decades later, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekhar Rao created a political platform in the name of Telangana Rashtra Samithi and laid strong foundations for a great peaceful mass movement. Subsequent to a relentless agitation spanning over 13 long years, KCR turned the tables but not before preparing himself to sacrifice his life at one stage. The same Congress leadership, this time under Sonia Gandhi, had to bow down and concede the demand for a separate state. In a can't but situation, though not in complete favour, Congress Party got the approval of Parliament for separate Telangana State. People's strength triumphed yet again.

It is left to the wisdom of such people who criticise how TRS had no role in separate Telangana agitation and Congress alone is solely responsible for the formation of the state. It is unfortunate that they are not able to understand the 13-year long struggle under the leadership of KCR. Naturally, with tremendous confidence in their leader, who successfully led the movement and achieved the state, the voters in 2014 elections gave their mandate in favour of TRS. The first-ever government in Telangana was formed on June 2, 2014. Later, some of the MLAs who won on tickets other than TRS party, upon realising their party's non-functioning in accordance with the requirements of Telangana people, left the party and joined TRS as part of political polarisation strengthening KCR's hands in developing the state. This paved way for the political stabilisation.

The responsibility entrusted by people was shouldered by KCR and his government from day one since the formation of Telangana. In accordance with the aspirations of people, efforts are afoot for the formation of a 'Golden Telangana' by conceiving a variety of schemes and implementing them rigorously. For implantation of electoral promises as announced in the manifesto, steps were initiated on a fast track. The language, culture, the dialect, the traditions, the systems, etc., that were subjected to annihilation by the erstwhile united AP Government have been revived and rejuvenated. By reorienting and reinventing Telangana, the state has been progressing and marching ahead in all fields.

The TRS government successfully faced the challenges arising out of schematic suppression, exploitation, and negligence during the erstwhile rule. The conspiracies that were hatched to demoralise Telangana people which led to creating of several obstacles were also overcome by TRS government, systematically. By being ever vigilant against negative forces, facing the challenges, and overcoming the conspiracies, the Telangana State has stood as the number one state in a number of sectors. For the long march to achieve golden Telangana, strong foundations have been laid down. If only the schemes that were conceived, and are under implementation, are standardised, stabilised, and consolidated, then, a confident golden Telangana is in the offing. Against this backdrop to break the political fragility, the ugly face of which started appearing here and there, and to see that the development process is not hindered, Chief Minister KCR and his council of ministers decided to recommend the Governor to dissolve Assembly and go for fresh elections.

The state government has been implementing schemes for the welfare of the people and development of the state with equal priority, reflecting everyone's aspirations. Each and every problem that the state had inherited from the erstwhile government is slowly and steadily solved. Thanks to the people-friendly and beneficial schemes, everyone in the state is living with tremendous confidence in their present and the future. The government and its Executive Head, Chief Minister KCR, by treating the 2014 election manifesto as a holy book, picked-up promise after promise made in it and converted them into schemes and programs. Every scheme is people-centric and oriented towards a solution to various issues faced by people from time to time.

Many more schemes in the interest of the people, though not promised in the manifesto, were also implemented. 72 such notable schemes include the investment support scheme for agriculture, the Rythu Bhima Life Insurance Scheme, 24-hour free power supply to agriculture, the Mission Bhagiratha to supply safe drinking water to every household, KCR kits to compensate wage loss of pregnant women, Kanti Velugu eye screening etc. In addition, several schemes which are not implemented anywhere in the country are being implemented here in Telangana. These include Rs 8000 per acre to the farmer as investment support, the Haritha Haram green cover program, double bedroom houses, helping hand to hereditary professions, etc. The state has a special recognition as number one welfare state by implementing schemes worth Rs 40,000 crores per year. Welfare schemes are from cradle to grave in the state. In brief, the schemes are: Aasara pensions, six KG rice scheme, fine rice to students, Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak, oversees scholarship, SC/ST sub-plan and special development fund, three acres land to Dalits, a huge budget for minority welfare, TS I Pass, etc.

The schemes that are in implementation in Telangana itself are indicators of trustworthiness of the TRS Government. It has become a role model for other states. Hence, the constancy of schemes is a plus point for the government.

(The author is Chief Public Relations Officer to CM, Telangana. The views are personal)