Roti, Kapda, Makaan For Poor: CM

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Saturday announced that his government would ensure "roti, kapda, makaan" (food, clothing and home) to the common people in the state.

Addressing a public meeting at Asifabad as part of the Rachabanda program, the Chief Minister recalled that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had brought about a revolution in the country with her slogan of "garibi hatao". Taking inspiration from Indira Gandhi, the state government would ensure "roti, kapda, maakan" to the common man, he said, adding that the Re-1-a-kilo rice scheme was among several initiatives taken in this regard.

The CM listed out various programs taken by his government in the recent past. He said that nearly 30 lakh ration cards were issued to the poor people across the state during the first and second phase of the Rachabanda program.

Of this, nearly 44,000 cards have been issued in Adilabad district alone. Similarly, of nearly 8 lakh pensions for the poor, widows and the elderly, more than 17,000 pensions have been issued for Adilabad district.

Regarding the housing scheme, the CM said that since 2004 the state government has constructed 52 lakh houses for the poor.

Currently, construction of nearly 15 lakh houses is on, and the government proposes to construct 32,000 more houses for people from various categories.

Kiran Kumar Reddy reiterated that his government would provide jobs to about 15 lakh youth in the next 3 years. He said that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh would hand over appointment letters to one lakh youth on 1 December. He said that nearly 40,000 youth of Adilabad district would benefit from the scheme.

The CM told the gathering that the state government plans to extend the recently-launched Mee Seva centres across AP.

He said that these centres would eradicate corruption from several government offices, and give people access to several certificates and documents that they need for various purposes.

Quoting a survey, the CM said that on an average, a citizen is forced to pay bribe of Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 to get a certificate.

With the establishment of Mee Seva centres across the state, the common man would have easy access to the certificates, besides putting an end to corruption in the government offices.

Kiran Kumar Reddy announced that the government would set up 52 model schools in the district. He said that drip irrigation projects would also be started soon in the district.

Earlier, the Chief Minister launched the Kommarambheem project constructed at a cost of Rs. 450 crore. (INN)