KCR Lists Out Achievements In I-Day Speech

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao vowed again today to develop Telangana into a "golden" State by achieving inclusive growth and welfare.

He was speaking after unfurling the national flag at the Golconda fort on the occasion of the 73rd Independence Day.

Giving a status report of his government, KCR claimed that Telangana was spending Rs 40,000 crore for social welfare each year, and was number one in the country on this parameter.

Claiming that the state's farmer policy had turned an ideal for the entire nation, he said that even the UN had appreciated the Telangana government for its Rythu Bandhu and Rythu Bhima schemes, which offered great reprieves for farmers from poverty.

He added that the money given under the Rythu Bandhu scheme had been further upped to Rs 10,000 per acre, a hike from Rs 8,000 earlier, and that the government had also issued orders to waive off crop loans of up to Rs. 1 lakh as promised during the 2018 election campaigning.

Speaking about headway in irrigation projects, KCR said, "We have completed the Kaleshwaram irrigation project in just three years. The government will also complete the Palamur - Ranga Reddy lift project and the Sitharama project."

He said that through the Kaleshwaram project 400 TMC of waters could be used every year by the State, irrigating about 43 lakh acres and catering to the drinking water needs of the State.

He also said that 5,700 TMC of Godavari waters would be used additionally from next June.

"We will also be able to supply waters to 11.20 lakh acres in Palamur district along with Jurala," he added.

The CM also announced the implementation of a 6-month village development plan.

KCR listed out several other flagship programs including Mission Bhagiratha to give potable waters to the rural people and Mission Kakatiya to fill up the lakes, ponds, tanks and other water bodies in the State.

He also claimed that the TRS was providing corrupt-free, speedy and transparent governance.

Welfare was however not coming at the cost of growth, KCR emphasized. "We have also reached a 14.84% GSDP growth rate, amongst the highest in India, and with sustainable economic development," he said.