Khammam Edulapuram, eetaram bharatam January 18:
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy stated that the state government is implementing welfare programs for the poor inspired by the legacies of N.T. Rama Rao (NTR) and Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR).On Sunday, the CM toured Khammam district along with Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, District In-charge Minister Vakati Srihari, Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao. During the visit, he participated in a joint meeting with public representatives of the combined Khammam district at Maddulapalli.
Key Highlights from CM Revanth Reddy’s Speech:
* Legacy of Leaders: The CM paid tribute to NTR on his death anniversary, noting that NTR brought global recognition to Telugu self-respect. He emphasized that the names of NTR and YSR will remain permanent in the history of welfare implementation.
* Food Security: He recalled NTR’s ₹2 per kg rice scheme and stated that the current “People’s Government” is providing 6 kg of “Sanna Biyyam” (fine rice) for free to 3.17 crore beneficiaries monthly. He assured that new ration cards would be issued to any remaining eligible poor families.
* Power & Agriculture: CM Revanth praised YSR for his first signature on free electricity for farmers. Following that spirit, the current government provides 24-hour free power to 30 lakh pump sets and 200 units of free domestic electricity to 52 lakh poor families.
* Indiramma Housing: Criticizing the previous administration’s “Double Bedroom” scheme as a deception, the CM highlighted that under Minister Ponguleti’s leadership, 4.5 lakh Indiramma houses have been sanctioned. He promised a second phase of housing for urban poor after April.
Statements from Ministers:
* Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka: Highlighted development projects including the Munneru-Palair link, the foundation stone for JNTU Engineering College, the opening of a Nursing College, and a 100-bed hospital in Kusumanchi. He requested the CM to sanction a special Industrial Park for the district to boost youth employment.
* Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy: Announced a ₹162 crore project to link the Munneru and Palair rivers via a 9.6 km gravity canal to prevent water wastage into the Bay of Bengal. This project will stabilize 1.5 lakh acres of ayacut and produce 2 MW of hydel power. He criticized the previous government for failing to acquire land for the Sitarama Lift Irrigation project’s distributary canals.
* In-charge Minister Vakati Srihari: Urged the public to support the government in upcoming municipal elections just as they did in the panchayat elections, citing the government’s commitment to the poor.
* Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao: Stated his goal is to bring Godavari waters to all 10 constituencies in the district. He mentioned that Godavari water would be used to stabilize 3 lakh acres under Nagarjuna Sagar to mitigate future Krishna water shortages.
* Revenue & Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy: Expressed happiness over the foundation stone laying for the Munneru-Palair link canal. He called upon party workers to strive for victory in the upcoming Kothagudem Municipal Corporation and other municipal elections.
Attendance:
The event was attended by MPs Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy and Mallu Ravi; MLAs Ramdas Nayak, Matta Ragamayee, Koram Kanakaiah, Payam Venkateswarlu, and Tellam Venkat Rao; Corporation Chairmen, Khammam Mayor Punukollu Neeraja, and other local representatives.
