Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation, Food & Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy reaffirmed the state government’s focus on food security, housing, irrigation, and inclusive growth. He said the Congress government is committed to ensuring “every citizen lives with dignity and progress.”
Speaking at the 79th Independence Day celebrations in Suryapet, Reddy hoisted the national flag at the District Collector’s office wearing traditional Lambada tribal headgear. He addressed the gathering, outlining welfare schemes that support farmers, women, workers, children, and older citizens.
Reddy noted that Telangana is the only state providing free fine rice to over 80% of its population through the PDS, helping more than three crore people. “We are issuing new ration cards so no deserving family is left out,” he said. He also highlighted free bus travel for women, subsidised LPG, and enhanced social pensions that ease daily costs for households.
Farmers, healthcare, and education prioritised
Reddy underlined several farmer welfare initiatives, including income support, farm loan waivers, crop insurance, and ongoing irrigation projects. “We aim for more ayacut with less expenditure by spending public funds wisely,” he said.
He called healthcare a basic right, not a privilege. Rajiv Arogyasri coverage has been raised to ₹10 lakh per family. “Now even the poorest patient can access expensive treatment,” he added. The state is building new hospitals, medical colleges, and specialist care units.
On education, Reddy cited new residential schools, improved infrastructure, and enhanced learning tools. He added that the government supports women’s empowerment through stronger self-help groups, targeted livelihoods, and community-based schemes. He also praised safety programmes like SHE Teams and police-public outreach drives.
Suryapet development reflects state growth
The Minister said Suryapet district saw record paddy output in Vanakalam and Yasangi. Officials procured 3.36 lakh metric tonnes from 59,273 farmers at 336 centres, crediting ₹783 crore directly to their accounts.
Farmers received income support through Rythu Bharosa, timely subsidies, crop insurance, and loan waivers. He also said 66 Rythu Vedikas now allow farmers to connect with scientists via video conferencing.
Reddy announced irrigation expansion, including a new plan to supply water from the Devadula Project to Tungaturthi. Education infrastructure is growing, with new integrated schools in Huzurnagar, Kodad, and Tungaturthi at a cost of ₹600 crore. A Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya for Kodad and an agriculture college in Huzurnagar have also been approved.
Housing and power benefits highlighted
Under the Indiramma Housing Scheme, the government sanctioned 14,000 houses for Suryapet. Of these, 12,868 are approved, 1,050 are under construction, and 1,792 one-bedroom houses are finished in Huzurnagar.
In the power sector, 1.83 lakh households now receive 200 free units monthly under the Gruha Jyothi scheme. Another 1.57 lakh farming families benefit from free electricity. The district is also building 10 new substations, alongside major network upgrades.
