'Telangana is today the Annapurna of India. Our farmers have become brand ambassadors of agriculture for the nation,' the chief minister said.
Published Aug 15, 2025 | 2:30 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 15, 2025 | 2:30 PM
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy
Synopsis: Speaking after unfurling the national flag at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on Independence Day, Reddy said his government’s mission was to restore democracy and dignity in Telangana through policies rooted in social justice and empowerment.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday, 15 August, made a strong pitch for inclusive governance and rolled out a raft of welfare measures aimed at farmers, women, youth, and marginalised communities.
Speaking after unfurling the national flag at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad on Independence Day, Reddy said his government’s mission was to restore democracy and dignity in Telangana through policies rooted in social justice and empowerment. “Our vision is clear—empower the poor, support the vulnerable, and make Telangana a model for the nation,” he said.
The Chief Minister underlined farm welfare as his government’s priority, recalling the waiver of farm loans worth ₹20,616 crore for 25.3 lakh cultivators. He said the Indiramma Rythu Bharosa scheme— offering Rs 12,000 per acre investment support—had already reached over 70 lakh farmers, with ₹9,000 crore disbursed within nine days of the launch.
In addition, he said, the state had opened more than 7,000 procurement centres to buy every grain of paddy, while providing a ₹500 bonus per quintal.
“Telangana is today the Annapurna of India. Our farmers have become brand ambassadors of agriculture for the nation,” Reddy noted, adding that the government was also footing a subsidy bill of nearly ₹17,000 crore to ensure free power supply for 29 lakh pump sets.
Touching on food security, the CM said the Sanna Biyyam scheme was a landmark, with fine rice being supplied to 3.1 crore people at an annual cost of ₹13,000 crore. “The poor too are eating what the rich eat. This is not just about hunger—it is about dignity,” he said.
He also highlighted the distribution of new ration cards after a decade-long wait, calling it “a return of hope and assurance” as ration shops across villages regained their role as lifelines for the poor.
The government’s Indiramma Housing programme was described as a major empowerment initiative, with 4.5 lakh houses under construction at a cost of ₹22,500 crore. Importantly, the scheme has for the first time extended to Chenchu tribals, with over 22,000 houses sanctioned in forest areas. “For the poor, a home is not just shelter—it is self-respect,” the Chief Minister said.
Reddy reaffirmed his government’s commitment to caste equality, pointing to the caste census and 42 percent reservation for backward classes in local bodies, education, and jobs. Telangana, he said, had become the first state to implement Scheduled Caste sub-categorization, ensuring fairer distribution of benefits among 59 SC sub-castes. February 4 will henceforth be celebrated as Telangana Social Justice Day, he added.
Among the most popular schemes, the Mahalaxmi free bus travel programme for women was hailed as a “revolutionary social change.” It has saved beneficiaries nearly ₹6,800 crore and crossed 200 crore rides. The Chief Minister said the initiative had also boosted education access for girls and revived the finances of the state-run RTC.
On jobs, he noted that over 60,000 government posts had been filled in the past 20 months through a reformed TGSPSC, with lakhs more created in the private sector. “We have restored transparency and given back confidence to our youth,” he said.
The chief minister said that the revival of Arogya Sri, with enhanced coverage of up to ₹10 lakh per family, was flagged as a key relief measure for the poor. He also announced Rs 16,500 crore investments in healthcare, including a new 27-acre Osmania Hospital complex and new medical colleges. In education, the state is building Young India Schools in every constituency and a Sports University with global partnerships.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
