Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan - TELANGANA LEGISLATURE ADDRESS BY

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 TELANGANA LEGISLATURE

          ADDRESS
              BY

Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan
    GOVERNOR OF TELANGANA

       24th Phalguna, 1942
        15th March, 2021

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           ADDRESS OF HONORABLE GOVERNOR
              BUDGET JOINT SESSION 2021
Honorable Chairman, Telangana State Legislative Council,
Honorable Speaker, Telangana State Legislative Assembly,
Honorable Members of the Legislative Council and the
Legislative Assembly,

I convey my hearty greetings……

     The   Telangana   State   marching   with   an   objective   of
development of all the sectors and welfare of all communities, is
treading forward with self-confidence into yet another financial
year.   Telangana region was carved into separate state as new
dawn ushering from utter darkness by tearing apart the darkness
that prevailed for six decades. Telangana State which is still in
nascent stage had achieved many milestones in all sectors and
became a torchbearer to the entire country, just as blossomed
flower sheds its fragrance. Those who opposed formation of
Telangana, hurled several curses like there will be law and order
problem, if Telangana State is formed, utter jeopardy will prevail
in Hyderabad, darkness will exist without power and industries
will move away. They even made mockery that people of
Telangana are not capable of doing agriculture. They prophesized
that Telangana would not survive as a state. Even after formation
of Telangana also, the external and internal elements had even
tried to halt the progress of state with their plots.    But what
happened? The way shown by Dr.B.R. Ambedkar, “that only
answer to the opponents is to stand straight by facing challenges

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and to take our identity to a state which cannot be put aside” is
taken as an inspiration and Telangana State today is standing
straight and made critics to shut their mouth.

     Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Kalvakuntla
Chandrasekhar Rao, several innovative schemes were introduced
by Government which paved the already shattered Telangana
State due to plots of erstwhile rulers into development mode and
transformed Telangana as a progressive state. The raise of
Telangana state to third position in Sustainable Development
Goals India index declared by UNO reflects the State progress.

     If we reminisce, the achievements from 2014 June 2 to
today we will be left astonished. If we recollect the awful
memories of distress prior to the formation of new State, even
now, those memories will pain us. Then, there was backwardness
in all sectors, unrest in all sections of community, disturbance in
all regions, darkness everywhere and was a Jigsaw puzzle. From
these dire straits, Telangana State reached to stage of optimism
is not a miracle that happened in overnight. Behind this victory
lie thousands of hours of brainstorming and endeavouring for six
and half years.   In matter concerning what should happen in
Telangana after the formation of new state, the then leader of
movement and at present leader of our state Sri Kalvakuntla
Chandrasekhar Rao had crystal clear understanding in the
background of his experience.

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     Government had comprehensive understanding as to what is
there in Telangana? What did it lack? What was necessary?
Where do we stand in different sectors? Where we should head?
What are immediate necessities? What are future goals? What are
the resources available and how to utilize them? How to pool the
financial resources? What are challenges we will be facing and
how to overcome them? and took initial steps.

     End to End planning and perfect execution only placed
Telangana State in this high position as adage goes “A good plan
is success half done”.

     This is not an exaggeration to say that the present situations
in the State are beyond comparison with that of the situations
prevailed before formation of the State.

Financial Growth

     The Telangana State formulated its development model as
individual centric with an objective to find solutions to problems.
It formulated plans after assessing the available resources and
the needs.     With strict fiscal discipline the state has been
increasing its revenue resources.

     From 2014 to 2019, with 17.24 per cent average annual
growth rate, the state had increased its revenues and stood first
in the country. In 2013-2014 the State’s GSDP was Rs. 4,51,580
crores and it was by 2019-20 increased by       114.71 percent to

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reach to Rs. 9,69,604 crores. In 2013-14, the per capita income
in   Telangana      was    Rs.   1,12,162   and   by   2019-20   it   was
Rs.2,28,216. The state government is spending the increased
revenues with fiscal discipline and perfect planning to develop the
infrastructure and welfare of the people. According to the present
assessment, the anticipated per-capita income and GSDP by the
end of 2020-21 Financial year would likely to be Rs.2,27,145 and
Rs.9,78,373 crores respectively.

        From 2004 to 2014, in the ten years in Telangana,
Rs.54,052 crores was spent as capital expenditure, whereas from
2014 to 2020, in six years, Rs.2.30 lakh crores was spent as
capital expenditure from both budget and non-budget funds. This
alone    reflects    the     state   government’s      progressive    and
development oriented fiscal management. Telangana state stood
one among the top five states in the country, with the best
performance in increasing own resources, taking loans within the
limits of FRBM, to increase the capital expenditure. This was
mentioned in ‘State of State Finances report’ which was recently
released by PRS Legislative Research. This is an ample proof of
the state’s financial prudence and fiscal discipline.

      In 2019-20 financial year, the economic recession prevailed
all over the country coupled with 2020-21 COVID-19 pandemic
has an adverse impact on the state finances. But yet, the State
government had evolved and implemented strategies to face each
and every challenging situation and ensured that the State

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economy had not slipped out of hands. It is a proud moment to
the state, when country’s economic survey 2020-21 that was
presented to Parliament, declared that Telangana State was one
of the few states that could recover economically faster from the
financial crisis created by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

     All   the   Frontline   warriors   toiled   courageously   and
momentously in saving the state from Corona Virus. Today the
state is safe due to the tireless and continuous services rendered
by the medical and police personnel as well as the sanitation
workers. I convey my hearty compliments to all those.

Corona-Vaccination

     The Corona virus created doldrums in the entire world. My
government had adopted effective steps to prevent the spread of
dreaded Corona virus. By providing free medical treatment to the
corona affected, it saved precious lives of many. The entire
country recorded 1.4 per cent average deaths due to Corona
while in the state it is 0.54 per cent. The percent of people who
recovered from Corona all over the country is 97.2 and it is 98.88
per cent in Telangana State which is more than the country’s
percentage. Country’s Economic Survey report stated that the
Telangana state stood top most in the country as far as curtailing
the spread of Corona pandemic, deaths due to the virus, fast
economic recovery from the pandemic and for conducting a
greater number of tests.

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      As on date, the Corona vaccination program is being
conducted successfully on priority basis. Entire medical fraternity
and frontline workers have been successfully vaccinated. At
present vaccination program is in progress for those who crossed
60 years of age and also those suffering from comorbidities.
Aiming at vaccinating 50 lakh individuals the government had
made necessary arrangements which included organizing 1200
vaccination centers.

Innovations that the New Telangana State achieved

      Telangana which was subjected to all sorts of discrimination
and   destruction   is   now   marching   and   progressing   ahead
tremendously in all sectors.

Success in Power Sector

      In the Power Sector, the Telangana State has achieved
marvelous success to the surprise of entire nation. In the
erstwhile united AP rule the people of Telangana suffered a lot
due to power cuts and crop holidays. The industrial production
too suffered badly due to power holidays. That was why people
desired for a separate state so that they could overcome that
situation. The then rulers threatened that the state would plunge
into utter darkness. Proving all their forecasts as false, my
Government transformed the state into an illuminating one.

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     The very complicated power crisis in the state was overcome
successfully by the state government within a very short span of
time. The Telangana state had re-written a new history as the
only state, which is providing 24-hour free power supply to the
farm sector and uninterrupted power to all the sectors. This is
first of its kind in the State. The installed power capacity at the
time of formation of the State was only 7,778 Mega Watts (MWs)
whereas, it is 16,245 MWs now. The then transmission capacity
was 13,900 MVA (Megavolt Amperes) whereas now it reached to
37,000 MVA. Then per capita power consumption was 1,110 Units
whereas, it is increased now to 2,071 Units. This was announced
by the Central Electricity Authority which is an indication of great
success that the Telangana State achieved in power sector.
Telangana’s per capita power consumption is higher than that of
Nation’s average of 1,208 units. The Solar power was only 71
MWs then and now it is 4,840 MWs. Then the maximum peak
demand of united AP was 13,162 MWs while it is 13,468 MWs
recently.

     Government     of   India   complimented   my   Government’s
success in power front for supplying uninterrupted quality power
without any power cuts in spite of marked increase in the number
of power connections, per capita consumption and maximum
peak demand.

     This in itself is a great success story for the government
which has been appreciated by the union government. In

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recognition of this success that the State Government registered
in the power sector, Council of Energy, Environment and Water
(CEEW) announced awards to the Electricity Corporations in the
State. It is an indication of our progressive outlook that NITI
Aayog has announced that Telangana got third rank among the
list of the best states which supply affordable clean energy
without harming the environment and also with considerably less
financial burden on people. This is yet another indication of
state’s progressive outlook in managing energy resources. The
works on Yadadri, Bhadradri power plants are being completed on
fast track to make the State a power surplus state.

     In power sector this is a great and delightful success story.
In this modern era electricity is a development index and a
priority sector. The Central Electricity Authority announced that
my government by taking all necessary safeguards and working
on a continuous basis achieved successes in power sector. This
sort of work has not taken place anywhere in the country.

Mission Bhagiratha - Permanent solution to drinking water
problem

     Mission Bhagiratha scheme completely put to an end to the
drinking water problem that the Telangana people suffered for
decades over. This scheme has become a torchbearer for the
entire country to follow and emulate. This is a matter for all of us
should feel proud of. The Central Jal Sakti Mission has declared
that Telangana State is the one and only state in the country,

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which is providing safe and pure drinking water through pipes to
all the households, schools and Anganwadi centers. This is a
befitting recognition to the state government’s efforts. Through
Mission Bhagiratha Scheme, safe drinking water is supplied to all
remote villages, Tribal Thandas and Adivasi Gudems.

       Prior to 2014, drinking water supply was provided, that too
partially, to just 5,672 habitations. Now protected drinking water
is supplied to 24,543 Habitations to every household, every day
through pipes and taps. On the whole, there are 57,26,804
Household     tap   connections,   65    Intake   Wells,    109     Water
Treatment Plants, 1,49,905 Kms long pipelines and 13,901
Service Crossings were constructed as part of this mega scheme.
87,412 connections were given to the Anganwadis, Schools,
Rythu Vedikas, and Vaikuntadhamams. Prior to 2014, there were
only    17,769   Overhead      Service   Reservoirs   and    with    new
construction of 19,233 reservoirs, their number increased to
37,002.

       For the drinking water schemes, from 2004 to 2014, in ten
years’ time in Telangana, only Rs.4,198 crores was spent. From
2014 to 2020 end, the Telangana government has spent
Rs.32,500 crores in six and a half years and permanently solved
the drinking water problem in the State. By launching and
completing the scheme with lot of hard work in just three years’
time, is in itself a record.

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     With Mission Bhagiratha Scheme, the fluoride problem has
been totally eradicated in the State. Department of Drinking
Water and Sanitation of the Central Government, in its report,
declared   Telangana   state   as   fluoride-free   and   this   is   an
outstanding victory that the state has achieved. What the then
united AP rulers could not achieve in 60 years, my government
has achieved in a short span of time. This announcement that I
am making now is a truth that everyone and every household
experiences every day.

Mission Kakatiya-Revival of the ancient tanks

     Due to the indifferent attitude of the erstwhile rulers, out of
the 75,000 ancient tanks constructed during the Kakatiya
dynasty, as many as 30,000 tanks were vanished. The ground
water level sank to deeper depths. Agriculture sector plunged into
a major crisis. Observing this ground level reality and grave
situation, my government has embarked on a major program of
Mission Kakatiya to revive and rejuvenate the remaining 45,000
Tanks and the entire program was taken up like a yagna and
successfully completed. Now the tanks are brimming with water
as the storage capacity has increased by leaps and bounds. This
resulted in the raise in the ground water levels. The Centre has
recently released a Data on the ground water levels. It analyzed
ground water levels in 549 wells in the State. The report stated
that out of the 549 wells, ground water has increased by 91 per
cent in 498 Wells. This is due to the Mission Kakatiya and its

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success. The agriculture, which past rulers have termed as a
wasteful profession has now become a flourishing festivity
profession. With the revival of tanks, the fishing activity began on
a high note. Fishermen are earning good profits now. This gave a
lot of push to the Bio Diversity. This is a wonderful live picture,
which is very much before the eyes of people to enjoy and feel
happy about it.

Irrigation Projects

      With a great and noble objective of making one crore acres
of land irrigated in the state, my government has embarked upon
constructing major and medium irrigation projects in the state.
During the united AP rule, Telangana region was known for its
arid lands and often referred to as a backward region. The united
AP rulers, known for their discrimination against Telangana,
played the role of a mute spectator when huge quantity of water
from the rivers flown into the Sea as waste. They never made
any effort to divert these waters to the agriculture lands in
Telangana. The entire agriculture sector in Telangana was
collapsed due to lack of water for irrigation. Several farmers
committed suicide. After formation of the State, my government
on a war footing began constructing irrigation projects to ease
and free people from the dire situation. First of all, all the pending
and   partially   completed   projects   were   taken-up   and   were
completed.

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        Kaluwakurty, Nettempadu, Bhima, Koil Sagar, Devadula, Mid
Manair, Yellampally, Singur, Kinnerasani, Palem Vagu, Kumaram
Bhim, Mattadi Vagu, Neelvayi, Jagganathpur and other projects
works were completed on a fast track. My government has drawn
a plan and taken up the construction to restore past glory of the
SRSP project. My government has completed in a record 11
months time the projects Bhakta Ramadas in Khammam district
and Thummilla Lift Irrigation Scheme in Jogulamba Gadwal
district. 20 lakhs of acres are getting water for irrigation due to
the completion of these pending projects. The Palamuru district
known as a drought prone and arid region is now with full of
greenery. Migration has come down and people are doing
cultivation in their native areas.

        Former rulers have designed the irrigation projects in
Telangana region with lot of loopholes intentionally. With clear
and purposeful discrimination, they have reduced the capacities
of reservoirs. They have built reservoirs with very less capacity.
The details are as follows:

        Tummidihatti Barrage, 1.85 TMC; Medaram, 0.58 TMC;
Malakpet Reservoir, 0.35 TMC; Anantagiri, 1.7 TMC; Imambad,
1.5     TMC;   Tadkapalli,   1.5   TMC;   Pamulaparthi,   1.00   TMC;
Baswapur, 0.8 TMC; Chevella Reservoir, 3.00 TMC; Tipparam,
1.00 TMC totaling 11.43 TMC only. This alone proves the level of
discrimination the Telangana region suffered under the united AP
rule.

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      After formation of the Telangana State and after formation
of my government, the projects were re-designed to suit to the
needs of the state. Inter-State disputes were solved amicably and
the   projects   construction      was   done    on      a    war   footing.
Kaleshwaram,     Palamuru-Rangareddy,           Dindi,       Sitarama    Lift
Irrigation project are all on the verge of completion.

      The storage capacity of reservoirs as a part of the projects
on Godavari River in the new State are as follows:

      Laxmi Barrage, 16.17 TMC; Saraswathi Barrage, 10.87 TMC;
Parvathy   Barrage,   8.83      TMC;     New    Sadarmat       1.58     TMC;
Sammakka Barrage, 6.94 TMC; Seetamma Sagar, 37.20 TMC;
Ranganayaka      Sagar,   3     TMC;     Mallanna     Sagar,     50     TMC;
Kondapochamma       Sagar,    15    TMC;    Gandhamalla,        9.8     TMC;
Narasimha Sagar near Baswapur, 11.40 TMC; Nandi Medaram,
0.78 TMC; Annapurna Barrage, 3.50 TMC; Malakpet Reservoir,
3 TMC; Gauravelli-Gandipalle, 10 TMC; Manchippa, 3.5 TMC;
Chanaka-Korata, 6.20 TMC; 25 TMC reservoirs in Kamareddy-
Yellareddy Constituencies. Kuphti in Adilabad, 5 TMC. And in total
227.77 TMC is the reservoirs storage capacity.

      The erstwhile united rulers proposed 11.43 TMC of total
water storage capacity on the reservoirs of Godavari River while
the water storage capacity is 227.77 TMC to the reservoirs being
constructed by the Telangana Government.

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     The storage capacity of reservoirs for the projects planned
on Krishna River under Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation
scheme are as detailed:

     Anjana      Giri,   6.40   TMC;       Veeranjaneya,   6.55   TMC;
Venkatadri, 16.74 TMC; Kurumurthyraya, 19 TMC; Uddandapur,
16.03 TMC; KP Laxmidevipalli 2.80 TMC; Anantaram, 9 TMC;
Gattu in Gadwal district with 15 TMC. In total the reservoirs
storage capacity is 91.52 TMC.

     Different reservoirs capacity under Dindi Lift Irrigation
Project are as detailed below:

     Singaraju     Palli,   0.81   TMC;      Gokavaram,    1.18   TMC;
Gottimukkula 1.83 TMC; Chintapally, 0.91 TMC; Irwin, 0.55 TMC;
Kistarampalli 5.68 TMC; Sivannagudem, 11.96 TMC. In total the
storage capacity is 22.92 TMC.

     After 2014 in the entire State, my government has planned
reservoirs with a total capacity of 342.21 TMCs.

Agriculture Development-Farmer’s Welfare

     Telangana region which was once a permanent address for
famine and drought is now transformed and shaped as an
excellent   agriculture-based      state    by   my   government.   My
government regarded agriculture sector as precious as life and
believed that the Telangana livelihood is in agriculture.

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     To pull the agriculture sector out of crisis and instill
confidence among farmers, my government for the past seven
years has initiated several measures in a phased manner.
Irrigation facility has been boosted. Power supply has been
improved remarkably.

     Quality seeds and fertilizer are supplied on time. Subsidies
on agriculture tools to encourage mechanization and increase
micro irrigation methods is being undertaken. For the first time in
the country, the farmers are given Rs. 10,000 per acre for two
crops as investment subsidy for agriculture under Rythu Bandhu
Scheme so that farmers need not worry about their input
expenditure. Members of farmer’s family are given Rs. 5 Lakh
under Rythu Bima policy if the farmer dies for whatever may be
the reason and no matter even if he owns a small piece of land.
This has helped family members of the deceased farmer to a
great extent. Both Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bima policies which
won acclaim at the United Nations, have become model for the
entire country as the most ideal and needed policies. With
availability of water and power sufficiently, availability of finance
for cultivation, with the guarantee that the state government is
standing and supporting them, farmers in Telangana state with
lot of confidence are producing bountiful crops. These statistics
stand as a testimony that the Telangana State has achieved
tremendous progress.

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     When the state was formed, 1.41 crore acres was under
cultivation in the Telangana per year, whereas, now, per year
2.10 crore acres are under cultivation. Then the yield per year
was only 2.05 crore tonnes whereas, now it is 4.11 crore tonnes
per year, which is double the figure. In 2013-14, Paddy was
cultivated in Telangana in 34.97 Lakh acres, in 2020-21 financial
year,   Paddy   is   cultivated   in   1.04   crore   acres.   Then   the
government procured only 24.30 lakh tonnes Paddy, whereas,
last year it procured 1.11 crore tonnes of Paddy. Last Summer,
the FCI procured 1.15 crore tonnes of Paddy all over the country,
of these, 64 lakh tonnes, that is about 56 per cent is procured
from the Telangana State only. Telangana state had become
Annapurna-the Rice Bowl, which is giving food to the country.
This also shows the tremendous strides that the State made in
the agriculture sector.

     In cotton crop also, the state has achieved tremendous
progress. During 2013-14 it was only in 41.83 Lakhs of acres the
cotton was grown whereas now, 60.54 lakhs of acres it is grown.
In the cotton growing area Telangana stands second in the
country. The crop then accounted for only 18.45 Lakhs of tonnes
annually, whereas now, it accounts for 37.62 Lakhs of tonnes
annually. In growing and production, the Telangana state which
was at a bottom rank once, is now ranking in the top states. This
again is an evidence of Telangana’s all-round development in
agriculture front.

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     As the cultivation area and Harvest is increasing, the
government had increased the marketing and godowns facilities.
There were only 150 markets in Telangana then and they are
increased to 192 now. Then godowns with a capacity of 4.17 lakh
tonnes were there and now godowns with 24.73 Lakh tonnes
came into use. In the backdrop of massive increase in the area of
cultivation and production, the Government decided to increase
the number of godowns and their capacity to store. The
government is administering the marketing system in such way
that the crops cultivated by farmers are sold in a regulated
manner.

     The agriculture sector recouped and recovered with several
revolutionary and progressive policies of the government. It is
matter of happiness and pride for all of us that the Telangana
farmer is able to stand with his head held high in the country. I
am making it clear once again that my government had no other
priority sector other than agriculture and there is no other
important person other than the farmer. The hard work and
commitment for the development of agriculture sector in the
state would continue further with the same dedication.

Welfare to every household

     Telangana State government’s policy is “Increase wealth and
distribute it among the poor.” The State had transformed itself as
the best and great welfare-oriented government in the country.
The Aasara pensions given by the government to the poor have

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provided them with security to life. At the time of formation of
Telangana state, beneficiaries were getting only Rs. 200 per
month as pension, whereas, now each one is getting Rs. 2,016
per month. The state government had increased the pension for
the physically challenged persons from Rs. 500 to Rs. 3,016 per
month. Earlier Beedi Workers were not getting any pension. After
formation of Telangana, they are given Rs. 2,016 pension per
month. So also, single women, victims of filaria were not getting
pension earlier but my government provided them pension facility
and giving Rs. 2,016 per month. At the time of formation of state
29,21,828    persons   were    getting   pensions,   whereas,   now
39,36,521 persons are getting pensions in the state.

     Prior to state formation Rs. 860 crore only was spent on
pensions while Rs. 8,710 crores are being spent now per annum.
At the time of formation of State, through the Fair Price Shops
only 4 Kgs of rice per person and that to with a ceiling of 20 kgs
per family was given. But now, whatever may be the number of
persons living in a family each one is given 6 kg rice at the rate of
Rupee one per Kg. At the time of formation of the state, per
month 1,32,464 tonnes subsidy rice was distributed while now it
is 1,78,754 tonnes.

Changing Face of Rural Scenario-Palle Pragathi

     To establish Gram Swaraj at the village level as envisioned
by Mahatma Gandhiji, my Government has been initiating and
implementing new policies and progressing accordingly. The

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erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh rulers in Telangana by not
providing adequate funds and by not decentralizing power, totally
neglected and debilitated the local bodies. This resulted in villages
becoming care of address for backwardness. They became dirty
places often unfit for human dwelling without basic facilities. My
government had worked with commitment, determination and
strong will to make the villages in Telangana state as role models
in the country. With this the rural scenario has totally changed.

     The government reorganized the Gram Panchayats and
wards to suit to the needs of people. In tune with long-standing
demand      from    the    Adivasis,   Lambadis,     Gonds,   Chenchu
communities their ST habitations have been upgraded as Special
Panchayats. This made possible the STs to become Sarpanches
for 3146 Villages.        They are changing the very face of their
villages.   Not    only   ST   Habitations,   the   government   made
Panchayats of remote villages and villages which are far away
from the main village. There were 8,690 Gram Panchayats in
Telangana region before formation of the State, and now their
number is 12,769. The government on a regular basis is releasing
Rs. 308 crores of funds to the Villages every month, so that they
will not be affected due to lack of funds. Despite COVID impact
on economy, funds to the villages have not been stopped. This
shows my government’s commitment to the rural development.

     The Government brought fresh light in all the villages
through “Palle Pragathi” program following the enactment of new

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Panchayati Raj Act. With this the rural scenario has been totally
transformed. Due to increased interest in tree plantation and due
to garbage removal, the Telangana villages are blossoming with
cleanliness and greenery allover. Every village is equipped with
an infrastructure facility like Tractor, Nursery, Vaikuntadhamam,
Dump yard, public Garden, Rythu Vedika etc. In view of the fact
that everyone in the villages built their own toilets, Telangana
State has become hundred percent open defecation-free state.
Complimenting these efforts, my Government received an award,
the ‘Swach Sarvekshan’ from the Union Government.

Planned development of urban areas

     “Urbanization is an indication of development and provider
of employment opportunities.” The rapid urbanization is an
indicator that the Telangana state is progressing on a fast track.
Though there are many advantages of urbanization, equally there
are many challenges. If expansion of urban areas is not done in a
planned manner, it would lead to many problems. Understanding
this, the government had given priority to planned urbanization.

     In tune with the increase in urbanization, the number of
municipalities   and   corporations   are    increased.   Municipal
Corporations number is increased from 6 to 13, Municipalities
from 52 to 129. Every month regularly Rs. 148 crore to the
municipalities is released so that they don’t suffer from paucity of
funds. Municipal Wards are scientifically reorganized. Through
New Municipal Act reforms were brought in urban administration

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and through the TS-bPASS Act, reforms were brought in building
permissions. The government is making efforts to increase green
cover and cleanliness, to better infrastructure facilities in the
urban    areas     by   organizing   Pattana    Pragathi       programs    in
coordination with people, officials and public representatives. In
all the urban areas based on the population, integrated Veg and
Non-Veg        markets,       Dump      Yards,         Plant     Nurseries,
Vaikuntadhamams are being constructed. Public Toilets are also
constructed for the use of people.

Rural development-Encouraging hereditary professions

      The Telangana rural life and its rural economy are based on
the Hereditary and artisan professions. The village crafts have
totally been collapsed due to the developments world over along
with total lack of proper policies by the successive governments.
People who were eking out a living on these rural trades have lost
their livelihood. This resulted in weakening of the rural economy
and     villages   have    become     poverty    stricken.      Shepherds,
fishermen, dairy farmers, poultry farmers are lakhs in number in
the State but yet the State was unfortunately dependent on
importing Mutton, Fish, Milk, Eggs and other food items. The
government considered this phenomenon as insulting.

      The programs and schemes introduced by the government
after a lot of brainstorming and to revive and strengthen the rural
economy      are   yielding   good   results.    The    government        had
distributed 77,02,737 Sheep at 75 percent subsidy in the first

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phase to the Golla Kurumas community who are in large numbers
in the state. The distributed Sheep have given birth to another
1.20 crore lambs and now in Telangana State the Sheep
population is over 3 crore. The shepherds-the Golla kurumas
made a wealth of Rs. 5,400 crores.       The National Live Stock
Census stated that there is 49 per cent growth recorded by
Telangana State in Sheep population in the last five years and
this alone showed the change that attained. Our State stood first
in the Sheep population in the country. The average production
of Mutton in the State per year increased from 4.46 lakh tonnes
to 8.48 lakh tonnes. The state government has decided to
distribute the Sheep to rest of the Shepherd in the coming year
and benefit them.

     To give employment to Bestha, Ganga Putra and Mudiraj
and other fishermen communities, the state government in the
last six years, at the government’s cost released 268.37 crore
fish seed and 11.64 crore shrimp into the tanks for growing. This
resulted in increase of fish wealth from Rs. 2,479 crore at the
time of formation of the state to Rs. 4,670 crore now. Then the
average production of fish was 2 lakh tonnes, whereas, now it
stands at 3.10 lakh tonnes per year.

     Owing to the support and encouragement given by the
government through several schemes, there is a marked increase
in the production of poultry products such as Chicken and Eggs in
the State. At the time of formation of State, production of poultry

24

Birds was 15.60 crores, whereas, now it is 24 crores per year.
Through poultry farms, then in the state, 36 crore Kgs of Chicken
was produced which is now increased to 48 crore Kgs per year.

     Besides giving subsidy to buy Buffaloes, the government is
giving Rs.5 per litre as incentive for the milk procured. This
resulted in marked increase in the milk production. When
compared the situation that prevailed at the time of formation of
the state to now, the milk production per year had increased from
42 lakh tonnes to 56 lakh tonnes.

     The efforts put in by the government to pull the weavers
from hardship and to give fillip to the power loom and handloom
sectors have been yielding good results. The marketing problems
are solved to a large extent by the government by way of buying
the cloth for the uniform of police personnel, school dress for the
students, sarees for the distribution during Bathukamma festival,
Christmas and Ramzan from the weavers’ societies. Due to 50 per
cent subsidy given by the government for the yarn and
chemicals, there is decrease in the input expenditure. In the past
the handloom workers were getting less than Rs.10,000 per
month as income. Now their income is increased anywhere
between Rs. 16,000 and Rs. 20,000 per month.

     An exclusive Corporation for the Most Backward Classes, for
their welfare was set-up by my Government.

25

SC/ST Development

     For the development and welfare of the most backward
SC/ST communities the government is working with special focus
and commitment. The government had brought in Special
Development Fund Act, and thereby in the Budget exclusive
allocations are made for them to utilize the funds earmarked for
them based on their population figures and in letter and spirit.
And the funds are spent totally for their welfare. I am happy to
announce that besides the funds allocated under the Special Fund
Act, my government is planning to allocate some more funds for
the SC/ST communities.

Administrative Reforms-New Acts

     The government had ushered in new administrative wings as
part of administrative reforms to bring governance to the
doorstep of people, to implement development-welfare programs
more efficiently and to remove delays and burden of travelling
distances. In the past, it became difficult for the officials to
monitor as the average population and extent of the district was
vast. Hence, the government reorganized the districts. Telangana
which had 10 districts, are now increased to 33. Revenue
Divisions are increased from 44 to 74, Mandals from 459 to 591.

     The government had brought in New Acts to replace the old,
and archaic Acts to remove the irregularities and corrupt
practices   in   the   administration.   The   reforms   are   being

26

implemented to ensure that they totally remove any possibility of
corruption and delay as well as offering total transparent service
to the people. The new Panchayat Raj Act, the new Municipalities
Act, and the new Revenue Act have brought in sea changes in the
state administrative set up.   The new Acts have brought in to
achieve the fixed targets. The officials, public representatives and
people have now got clarity on their duties and responsibilities.
The development works are taking place in both urban and rural
areas without any confusion and obstacles.

Dharani Portal - a revolutionary reform

     Earlier, there used to be utter confusion and lack of clarity
on the land ownership rights. Hence the Government decided to
change the scenario. The government in the first phase had taken
up the Comprehensive Land Records Rectification and purification
program. About 95 percent of land records were given clarity on
the ownership rights. Based on this, new passbooks were issued.
This is the reason why nearly 60 Lakh farmers in the State are
getting their Rythu Bandhu assistance without any problem.

     The new Revenue Act had brought in revolutionary changes
in the Land administration. The government had launched the
Dharani Portal with complete information on the agriculture lands
in the State. Dharani Portal ensures abundant transparency with
regard to Land Records. The farmer-friendly Dharani Portal has
been a path-breaking initiative in land records management. It
removed discretion of officials, simplified processes, eliminated

27

corruption and has brought in transparency. Anyone from
anywhere in the world can access the details of his land through
Dharani Portal.

     The government had also brought in great reforms in the
registration system based on Dharani to ensure easy, smooth and
transparent method of selling, purchasing and alienation of the
agriculture lands. The farmers are able to complete the process of
registration   and   mutation   within   minutes       without    seeking
anyone’s help, without running around pillar to post with no
scope for corruption or delay. The farmers are able to finish the
process in their own mandals. They get their pass books speedily.
Being testimony to its popularity, in less than five months from
the date of launch, more than 3.29 lakh transactions including
1.06 lakh pending claims for mutation of records have been
completed using Dharani.

     People    are   happy   that   Dharani   Portal    and      the   new
registration process have been successful cent percent. It is a
moment of joy that the reforms brought in after three years of
brainstorming have been yielding good results.

     The government has also decided to take up digital survey
all over the state to remove any litigation with regards to the land
boundaries. Based on this survey, boundaries will be fixed with
proper coordinates (latitude and longitudes), which no one can
ever tamper with. Not only disputes of boundaries of farmer lands
but also, that of government and forestlands, government and

28

non-government lands, Endowment lands, Wakf lands etc., would
also be solved. They would have their boundaries fixed to put a
stop to the litigation. If there is clarity regarding the issue of
lands, there will be an increase of three to four percent in the
GDP growth rate. This is an experience from other countries. If
there were an absolute clarity on land administration, Proper and
transparent registration process in Telangana state, it would lead
to peace in the villages and would definitely help development of
the state.

Quality education to the poor students in Residential
Educational Institutions

     The     state   government      has   started    large     number     of
residential institutions to impart quality education to students
from the Poor and to lay the foundation for their bright future.
There were only 298 residential schools when the State was
formed and they were also run with paltry facilities. The
Telangana government newly started 619 residential schools and
53 residential Degree Colleges for the SC, ST, BC and Minorities.
Now in the state in 970 residential educational Institutions,
4,29,686 students are given quality education on par with the
international and corporate standards. It is matter of great
gratification for the government that students from these
institutions   are   faring   exceedingly    well     in     several    tough
competitive    examinations     in   the   country,        scholastic   tests,
international games and sports.

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Best Public Health care

     The development and welfare programs launched by the
government for increasing the living standards will have a
purpose only if people live healthy. Hence, the government is
giving top priority to the medical and health sector. To offer
better medical service to the people, the government had
increased facilities in the government by leaps and bounds. The
beds number is increased from 17,000 to 23,450. At the time of
formation of the state there were only 254 beds with Oxygen
facility whereas, now it has been increased to 11,758. While there
were only 100 beds with Ventilator facility now there are 1,484
beds. The strength of Dialysis Centers has been increased from
3 to 49, ICUs from 4 to 29, Sick New Born care units from 18 to
42, Blood Banks from 18 to 31.

     The government is maintaining three kidney transplant
centers, two liver transplant centers, two heart transplant
centers, 22 Virology labs and had set up 25 Diagnostic Centers.
For the first time the government is operating 300 Amma Vodi
Vehicles to transport pregnant women to the hospitals and to
bring them back home and 50 Param Pada Vehicles to bring
bodies of those dead in the hospitals to their homes with dignity.
The results obtained due to betterment in the public health are
evident.

     In the past the infant mortality rate was 39 out of 1,000
births and now it has come down to 26. In the past there were

30

92 deaths of pregnant women at the time of deliveries among
one lakh, now it is reduced to 63. There is cent percent increase
in the inpatients’ strength and institutional deliveries in the
government hospitals. Under KCR Kits program, the government
is giving Rs. 12,000 to each pregnant woman and Rs. 4,000
worth Kits to reduce risk of mortality of women and child so as to
compensate the woman for the wages she lost at the time of
pregnancy and postnatal period. The government has started four
new medical colleges to create medical education opportunities.
MBBS seats in the state are increased from 850 to 1,640 and PG
seats from 531 to 835.

Development of Roads

     “Better   Connectivity   leads   to   better   society.”   The
government has implemented a comprehensive policy to improve
the road network in the state. A policy decision is taken that four
lane roads are laid from the district headquarters to the state
capital, two-lane roads from mandal centers to the district
headquarters and road for every village. This policy is being
implemented strictly. The change is evident and visible. Under
R&B, earlier at the time of formation only 669 Kms four lane
roads were there, whereas, now they are increased to 1029 KMs.
Double lane road length is increased from 6,093 Kms to 13,273
Kms now. This resulted in the reduction of single lane roads from
17,483 Kms to 13,785 Kms. Bridges number is also increased

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from 2,893 to 3,323. Panchayat Raj roads length is also increased
from 64,044 Kms to 69,844 Kms.

Dream of Regional Ring Road realized

     The government has proposed Regional Ring Road to
decongest traffic in Hyderabad and provide better transportation
facility among the districts. I am happy to announce that the
state government with lot of effort got the Centre’s nod for the
Regional   Ring   Road.   Via   Sangareddy,   Narsapur,   Toopran,
Choutuppal, Shad Nagar in a circular way, 30 Kms away from the
Outer Ring Road, 348 Kms long ring road would be formed like
another necklace to the Hyderabad city. I am sharing the
information that the government is very keen and committed to
complete the land acquisition and start works on the Regional
Ring Road as early as possible.

Haritha Telangana

     Trees are lifeline for all living beings. For a peaceful life,
greenery should be present in the right proportions. By the time
of formation of Telangana State, forests were on the verge of
extinction. Forestlands were grabbed. There is no green cover in
urban and rural areas.

     The government is organizing ‘Telangana Ku Haritha Haram’
program aimed at reviving the forests and increase green cover
to 33 per cent and is being done with lot of prestige. With

32

stringent measures, cutting of forests is stopped. Top priority is
given to raise forests in the forestlands. Plant nurseries are set up
everywhere to enable people to get the saplings of their choice. A
condition    is   imposed   that   the   village   panchayats    and
municipalities should allocate and spend 10 percent of their funds
on greenery. This resulted in increase of green cover in the
villages, towns, along the roadways and in the open places. There
is awareness among all individuals on protecting and growing
plants. The Forest Survey of India an organization of Government
of India, in its report stated that in Telangana state there is 3.67
percent increase in green cover since formation of the State. This
is a success of the Haritha Haram program.

     Government of India has also announced that Telangana
State is in forefront and on top in the entire country in tree
plantation on a large scale and in increasing green cover all over
the state.

Effective maintenance of Law and Order

     Progress and development flourish when law and order
prevail in a society. This is the reason why the Telangana
government accords the highest priority to the maintenance of
law-and-order situation. There is huge increase in the allocation
of funds in Budget for the police department. The police
department is given the required staff, vehicles and technology
tools in large numbers. There were 63,181 posts in the police
department at the time of formation of the state, whereas, it is

33

now increased to 86,829. Vehicles are increased from 5,703 to
20,004. Every vehicle is equipped with the latest technology.
With increase in vehicles, the police are now able to reach the
crime spot within ten minutes on receiving the message.

     The Telangana police are not just limited themselves to
discharging their police duties, but are also forming part of
several social responsibilities. The police did a wonderful job in
eradicating the illicit liquor trade, closing down of the playing
cards clubs and curtailing the sale of spurious goods. The police
who did a yeoman job during the Corona Pandemic have lived up
to the definition of people’s friendly police in the state.

     The State has set a record in the country by installing
6.65 lakh CCTV cameras, which account for 65% of the total
CCTVs installed in the entire country, as part of surveillance and
detection at all the open areas. Britain based Comparitech
Organization stated that the Hyderabad city occupied the 16th
position in the world among the cities that are using CCTV
Cameras.

     Cyber Warriors are posted in every police station to tackle
cybercrimes and also educate people about the cyber-based
crimes. This is the first time in the country that the special
officers are posted exclusively to detect cybercrimes in all the
police stations.

34

     The Command-and-Control Center set up on international
standards with state-of-the-art technology in Hyderabad would
become operational shortly to maintain and monitor law and
order situation as well as several celebrations, Jathara and
meetings.

Industries-IT

     It is essential to expand manufacturing and services sectors
to develop the state economically and create employment
opportunities. Hence the government is implementing innovative
and model policies to encourage investments in the field of
manufacturing and IT sectors. Favorable climate, 24-hour quality
power supply, better law and order situation have created a
congenial atmosphere in Telangana State for business, trade and
industrial activities. The TS-iPASS Act, which won laurels all over,
had ushered in revolutionary changes in the industry sector. In
Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Telangana state stands among
the top three states. World famous companies are opening their
offices in Hyderabad due to simple, speedy and transparent
clearances. Under the TS-iPASS Act as on date, 15,252 units
have got the permissions and clearances. The investments
through them are to a tune of over Rs. 2.13 lakh crores. These
industries would create employment opportunities to over 15.51
Lakhs of individuals.

     IT sector is making rapid strides in Telangana State.
Internationally renowned IT Companies are opening Data base

35

centers in Hyderabad. The IT Hub managed by the state
government had become base for many startup companies. After
formation of Telangana state, newly 250 IT companies came to
the state and 5,82,126 employees are working in them. In the
first year of state’s formation, the IT exports were Rs. 66,276
crore. By 2019-20 financial year they are more than doubled and
now stand at Rs. 1,28,807 crore. In the IT exports growth rate,
the national average is 8.09 per cent while Telangana’s growth
rate is 17.93 per cent.

     It is crystal clear that the Telangana State, even in adverse
conditions is achieving progress. This proof is reflected in the
announcement of National Association of Software and Services
Companies (NASCAM) that the IT exports in the state may reach
Rs 1.40 lakh crores in 2020-21 financial year despite corona
affect. I proudly announce that Telangana State is in forefront in
providing digital services to people. An indication of the state’s
participation in the Digital India Program is that of large-scale
E-Transactions by the people of the state. In the Innovation
Index published by NITI Aayog for 2020, the Telangana state
stood in the fourth place. This is the result of the government
bringing in several innovations in various sectors.

Hyderabad as Global City

     Hyderabad belongs to everyone. With people coming and
staying here from all over the country, it has become a true
cosmopolitan city. People from different regions, religions, creeds

36

and community are living happily together here. Hyderabad is
becoming a global city by increasing its infrastructure facilities,
maintaining the low pollution levels, proper law and order
situation, smooth flow of the traffic and so on at international
standards. So far 18 major projects are completed as part of the
Strategic Road Development Program (SRDP) to make Hyderabad
signal-free city. Of this, 9 flyovers, four underpasses, three RoBs
are constructed. The Cable Bridge at Durgam Lake has become a
tourist attraction and also a good drive way for the Hyderabadis.

     My Government has started Basti Davakhanas in the city in
the areas where poor live and provided better Medicare facilities
near their localities.   225 such Basthi Davakhanas which have
been set up for giving better medical facilities for the poor are
working well by providing excellent Medicare services. In the
Basthi Davakhanas, tele consultation, Lab tests, medicines and
immunization are provided free of cost.

     As part of Swach Hyderabad program, to avoid open
defecation and urination, newly 4,225 public toilets are set up in
addition to the existing ones. In recognition to the green cover
program of Hyderabad, Arbor Day Foundation of Food and
Agriculture Organization of the UN had certified Hyderabad as
‘Tree City of the World’ for 2020.

     The whole world is looking at Hyderabad with lot of interest.
India Skills 2021 report stated that several higher learning, highly
educated and highly skilled professionals in the country are

37

planning to settle down in Hyderabad in various jobs and
professions. This report jointly prepared by V Box, Confederation
of Indian Industry (CII) and Tag Foundation has once again
showcased Hyderabad to the world. The JLL report stated that
Hyderabad stood first in the Office Space Occupancy Rate growth
in the country. The same organization had declared Hyderabad as
the most livable city in the country.

     Hyderabad is also famous as a Pharma city. The Hyderabad-
based Pharma companies have created vaccines, drugs and
medicines for several dreaded diseases that made human beings
suffer a lot. It is a proud moment for all of us that the Hyderabad
based Bharat Biotech Company’s Covaxin for Covid was approved
and recognized. The government is setting up a Pharma City on
the outskirts of Hyderabad to develop and expand the pharma
sector.

     Earlier Hyderabad used to be under regular Curfew orders.
After formation of Telangana state, curfew was not imposed even
for a day in the city. This also shows how peaceful the city has
been.

Communal Harmony

     Telangana is known for communal harmony and peaceful co-
existence. This state has the distinctive and unique Ganga
Jamuna Tehzeeb. The government respects all religions equally.
Hyderabad makes everyone who comes to her fold comfortable

38

and happy no matter where they come from. This is the reason
every one proudly proclaims himself/herself as Hyderabadi. I am
making amply clear that the state government would protect
communal harmony and peaceful coexistence of people.

Nowhere in India

     The Telangana State government has shown and proved its
mettle by formulating several innovative and revolutionary
schemes and programs for the welfare and development, which
are unheard in the country so far. I am mentioning here few of
such programs and schemes aimed at providing better services to
people. These innovative and one of its kind programs are not
being implemented anywhere in the country and they are
exclusive for Telangana State only.

     Take for instance, the agriculture sector: Rythu Bandhu crop
loan assistance, Rythu Bima, abolition of water cess, Rythu
Bandhu Samithis, 24-hour quality power to the pump sets,
Reservations in Market Committees, one Agriculture Extension
Officer for every 5,000 Acres, construction of 2,601 Rythu
Vedikas   for   farmer   interactions,   free   regulation   of   Sada
Bainamas, updating and rectification of the land records. These
are all unique to this state only.

     In the Welfare Sector: Kalyan Laxmi, Shadi Mubarak,
pension for single woman, pension for the Beedi Workers,
pension for people suffering with filaria, monthly allowances for

39

Imams, mauzans, accidental insurance for journalists, home
guards, construction labor, drivers etc.

        Mission Bhagiratha Scheme: Telangana is the only state
government, which is providing safe and pure drinking water
through pipes and taps to every household. This is the only
government, which constructed MLA offices. The only government
that is providing meal to the hostel students cooked with fine
rice.

        Telangana is the only state where mobile clinics for animals
are arranged and vehicles for carrying dead bodies known as
Paramapada are made available. The only state which organized
Kanti Velugu program and conducted eye tests for its citizens.
Telangana       is   the   only   state   government,       which    abolished
transport tax for autos and tractors and the only government that
is providing Pollution Allowance to its traffic police and risk
allowance to the security wing of police.

        This   is    the   only   state   where   illicit   liquor   sale   and
consumption is totally eradicated and closed down all the playing
cards Clubs. This is the only state, which banned gambling. The
only state that is protecting women with the formation of SHE
Teams and the only state, which is setting up the Police
Command Control Centre with international standards. This is the
only state government, which provided free registration facility to
the poor through G.O.No. 58.

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     The list is endless and these are all proof of the State’s
vision and its visionary leadership.

State then and Now

     The Telangana, which in the past was ridden with starvation
deaths and suicides, is now shining with hope, glory and
happiness. The agriculture sector, which was regarded as a
wasteful profession, is now a profitable vocation with lot of
prosperity and festivity. The irrigation projects, which were
confined to the paper, have now become a reality and providing
the much-needed water for cultivation. The arid lands then are
now turned into irrigated lands. The state came out of the
darkness and is now marching towards becoming a power surplus
state. The region, which was thirsting for a drop of drinking
water, is now getting pure and safe drinking water through pipes
and taps every day to every household.

     The people who lost their faith in government hospitals have
now regained their faith and confidence in government hospitals.
Continuous efforts are put in for a healthy Telangana. The quality
education, which was not within the reach of the poor, is now
available to them without spending even a paisa. The hostel
students are enjoying their meal with fine rice and are happily
pursuing their studies. With the government itself coming forward
to help the poor families in performing their daughter’s marriage,
there is happiness, joy, and satisfaction among those families
where girl-child is born.

41

        In the past the Public Sector Undertakings were put up for
auction, whereas now the PSUs are getting strengthened all by
themselves with help and support from the state government.
The roadways, which were called the roads to hell, are now safe
to travel and are known for the comfortable drive. The field level
staff who used to get meagre wages are now getting reasonably
good respectable salaries and leading their lives with dignity and
comfort. The Gram Panchayats, and the Municipalities which used
to starve for funds are now getting funds every month without
fail.

        Then, Eggs, vegetable, fish, Mutton, fruits, Milk were
imported from other states, whereas, now the Telangana state
has come to a stage where it is on the verge of exporting them.
Then the district headquarters were located at a long distance
and now they are within the reach of common man. Then
industries were closed on regular intervals while now more and
more industries are coming to the State. Then Curfews were
order of the day, now there is total peace and harmony
everywhere. This is the difference between the Telangana then
and the Telangana now.

Rededication in the service of people

        This is the amazing developmental growth achieved by my
government. My government is striving forward with mammoth
confidence by overcoming the anti-progressive elements who
intend to create obstacles to this development. Telangana is the

42

only state in the entire country which is implementing innovative
schemes in many sectors. It stood at the top place among the
progressive states in the entire country in distributing the fruits of
progress to all the sections of people. These are not my words,
but Central Government had announced this on many instances
through many reports.      This matter is being acknowledged by
many National and International Organisations of repute.

     This development & Welfare Yagna will continue and many
more steps will be taken with humanitarian perspective so that
the fruits of progress will reach all the downtrodden sections in
the society on priority basis. I hereby inform one and all that my
government is rededicating itself to achieve this objective.

     I would like to conclude with a couplet from the immortal
“Thirukkural” of the legendary saint Thiruvalluvar which truly
reflects the present state of Telangana.

      ெப    ம்ெபா   ளால் ெபட்டக்க தாகி அ            ங்ேகட்டால்
                     ஆற்ற விைளவ            நா   .

                          which means …
               “A State which has abundant wealth,
           absence of calamity and never-failing harvests
                        make a good State”.

                              Jai Hind

                          Jai Telangana