Assembly Budget Session Starts

Governor E S L Narasimhan has said the government is committed to the welfare of BCs, SCs, STs and minorities, and that it is moving in that direction.

Addressing a joint session of the Legislature, on the first day of the Budget session, he said that bringing in the SC ST Sub-Plan Act is the "greatest achievement of the government", and that it has shown is commitment to the cause.

The economic reforms have been paying dividends, he said in his speech, which was marred by protests from TRS benches, whose members threw copies of the speech at him.

"The state will firmly deal with terrorist activities," he said, adding that CCTV cameras have been installed in the city.

"Compensation has been paid to the victims of the terror attacks in the city," he said.

"The state has witnessed heavy losses due to the Neelam typhoon. Many people have benefitted from the Mana Biyyam scheme," he said.

"In the year 2013-14, the government plans to complete 5 irrigation projects providing water to over 34 lakh acres. Under Jalayagnam, 90 lakh acres will get water," he said, "Efforts are on to get national status to Polavaram, Chevella-Pranahitha projects, and nearly 32 lakh pump sets were given free power, despite the severe power crisis."

"Due to natural calamities, the growth rate in agriculture fell to 1.96%," he said.

He also mentioned the Rajiv Yuvakiranallu scheme, and spoke about providing food security through a separate agriculture budget, adding that eradication of poverty is the government's main aim in the 12th plan period.

"Checking left-wing extremism, development and good governance are the long term plans of the government," he said.

Leader of the opposition N Chandrababu Naidu did not attend the session. The TDP had in fact boycotted the speech. And the TRS tried to disrupt it.

The Governor opened his speech in Telugu and concluded it in Telugu, and also briefly mention the World Telugu Conference in his address. (INN)