HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy during his Independence Day speech indicated that the World Bank would extend its assistance to Telangana for development. He said, “I am delighted to announce that talks with the World Bank representatives were held cordially in extending financial assistance with low interest rates for State development. My government will not commit the mistakes of borrowing funds with higher interest rates and putting a heavy burden on people.”
He accused the previous government of ruining the state economy. He alleged that the debt burden mounted by 10 times. He said: “The total state debt at the time of formation of Telangana was Rs 75,577 crore and it has increased to Rs 7 lakh crore in December last year.”
On Thursday, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy unfurled the national flag at Golconda Fort on the occasion of Independence Day.
He elaborated on the achievements of flagship schemes introduced by the Congress government in the state. He said that women in the state saved Rs 2619 crore from the free bus travel scheme. Under the LPG subsidy scheme the state government spent Rs 242 crore for 85.17 lakh cylinders supplied to the beneficiaries, he added. He said that 47.13 lakh people are benefiting from the Gruha Jyothi Scheme.
Emphasizing the state government’s commitment towards welfare of farmers, the Chief Minister said that the government spent Rs 31,000 for waiving crop loans. He made it clear that the government will launch the Ryuthu Bharosa Scheme by considering all suggestions and finalizing the modalities. To provide Rs 500 bonus for fine paddy, 33 varieties were already identified, he added. He stated that to address land-related issues, the government is mulling to bring an integrated Act.
The Chief Minister announced that soon the Education Commission will be constituted. Anganwadi centers will be upgraded as pre-primary schools. The task of providing Quality Education, Skill Development and Job Creation will be taken up on a mission mode.
He announced that the Mahindra group Chairman Anand Mahindra has been appointed as the Chairman of the Skill University.
He said, “Telangana should be promoted as the Gateway of the world . The Telangana brand should be projected on the world platform. As part of it, Minister Sridhar Babu and myself visited America recently. We projected Telangana as a Future State and explained the initiatives - Fourth City, Musi Riverfront Development project, Regional Ring Road, International standard civic infrastructure, Metro Rail expansion etc.
The government entered MoUs with companies and achieved a record Rs 40,000 crore investments in Telangana at the Davos meeting. The government already started an action plan to execute the agreements. We strongly hope that the huge investments will provide employment to Telangana youth.”