Kiran Delivers Last Independence Day Speech Of A United AP C

In probably the last speech by the Chief Minister of a united Andhra Pradesh at the main official function at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Thursday claimed that the State has achieved success in the implementation of development and welfare schemes.

The Chief Minister listed out various schemes being implemented by the State Government. Stating that the upliftment of poor was the main objective of his government, he said that several measures were taken to bring more people above the poverty line.

Inspired by Baba Saheb Dr. B R Ambedkar, the government has initiated several measures to follow the path of development shown by late Prime Ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, he said.

Kiran Kumar Reddy also claimed that Andhra Pradesh was witnessing a growth rate of 10 per cent. He said that the per capita income in the state was on the rise, and was higher than the national average.

Reddy made a mention of all the schemes launched during his regime as the Chief Minister.

While describing "Mee Seva" as a revolutionary measure, he claimed that "Abhaya Hastham" would change the lives of lakhs of women in the State. He announced that the scheme would be extended to another 9 lakh women during the third phase of Rachabanda programme to be launched soon.

He said that all the promises made during the Indiramma Baata have been fulfilled.

The SC/ST Sub-Plan, Bangaru Thalli, increase in funds of the welfare of women SHGs, minorities, interest-free crop loans to farmers and other measures found a special mention in the Chief Minister's speech.

He said that loans to the tune of Rs. 72,000 crore would be extended to farmers this year, while helping bring 31 lakh acres under cultivation.

Stating that the reservoirs in the state have touched maximum levels due to adequate rains, Kiran Kumar Reddy hoped that the government would overcome the shortage of power soon. He also demanded that the Centre accord national project status to the Pranahitha-Chevella and Polavaram projects.

The Chief Minister also announced an increase in the pension of freedom fighters from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 7,000. He also said that the Krishna Phase-III and Outer Ring Road works would be completed soon while the Hyderabad Metro Rail works were being hastened.

Deputy Chief Minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha, PCC president Botsa Satyanarayana, Chief Secretary Dr. P K Mohanty, DGP V Dinesh Reddy, ministers, legislators and other senior officials were present at the Parade Grounds.

With the Centre announcing its decision to bifurcate the State to create Telangana, it was probably the last speech delivered by a Chief Minister of a united Andhra Pradesh. If the Telangana formation process gets completed as scheduled, then probably next year the Chief Minister of Telangana will deliver his first speech from Parade Grounds. (INN)