Honorable Governor Address Joint Session of Assembly and Council

HONOURABLE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS

JOINT SESSION OF ASSEMBLY AND COUNCIL

19^th January 2019

                 Honorable Chairman Telangana Legislative Council, Honorable Speaker Telangana Legislative Assembly and Honorable Members of State Legislature. My Hearty Greetings and Congratulations to all the Members of the Legislative Assembly who are elected to the Assembly in the recently concluded elections. I wholeheartedly wish that your term in office as MLAs will be fulfilling and successful in all your endeavorsandthat you willdedicateyourselves to the service of people. It gives me immense pleasure to address this first session of both the Houses of the State of Telangana after the elections to the House.

                 The People of Telangana have achieved a separate state for themselves after six decades of relentless struggle. The first ever government was formed in June 2014 under the leadership of Kalvakuntla Chandrashekhar Rao who spearheaded the separate Telangana movement.

                 Taking into consideration the dimension of neglect of resources and culturein the erstwhile united Andhra Pradeshmy government commenced itswell-planned journey in right earnest keeping existentconditions. The process of reconstruction was taken up straightaway. Top priority was accorded to the welfare of the poor. The severe crisis in the power sector has been successfully tackled. Construction of irrigation projects was taken-up on a priority to provide irrigation water for aproposed one crore acres. Several programs were initiated to provide employment opportunities to youth through expansion of industrial and IT sector. Towards Revitalization and strengthening of rural economy, my governmentstrengthened the hereditary professions that had become extinct. Several steps were initiated by my Government to restore confidence in the desperate farmer through revitalizing the agriculture sector which was labelled as a waste during the erstwhile rule.

                         My Government registered a great success in robust administrative policies, strict financial discipline and corruption-free governance. This has resulted in substantive growth in state tax and non-tax revenues. Telangana has achieved one of the highest growth rates in the country. I take pride in pronouncing before this August House that during the first four years from 2014-2018, the state achieved 17.17% compound annual revenue growth rate and during the current 2018-19 financial year the growth rate so far stands at 29.93%. Even in GST collections Telangana State stands first among all the states in the country.

                 My Government recognized the immediate need to provide security of life to the vulnerable sections of people keeping in view the special circumstances prevailing in Telangana. The erstwhile government as a namesake gave a meagreamount as pension to widows and old aged peoplewas substantially enhanced. My Governmentannounced an enhancement from Rs 1000 to Rs 1500per month to enable them to meet their minimum needs. The Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak schemes which provides Rs 1,00,116 financial assistance for the poor girls at the time of marriage has become a role model in the entire country. The Telangana Statehas today come to be recognized as number one state in the country in the allocation of resources for the welfare of the people. The welfare schemes implemented by my Government have created a sense of self-confidence and feeling ofa secure life.With the benedictions of people who were benefited by the welfare measures, the TRS Party Government returned to power for a second term, with a much higher majority in this house.

                 The Grandeur Mission Bhagiratha Scheme, a first of its kind in the country, aims to supplypiped drinking water to each and every household. It aims to supply safe drinking water to all the 66 municipalities and 23,968 rural habitations of the state. As of now, 56 municipalities and all the rural habitations are getting drinking water through Mission Bhagiratha. In 18,612 habitations,the drinking water is being supplied through Nalla (Taps). In the remaining municipalities and habitations the works are on a fast-track. I am happy to share with you all that, by the end of March 2019, works pertaining to Mission Bhagiratha will be completed in toto and every household will get safe and pure drinking water at their doorstep through tap. I wholeheartedly congratulate the Government and the entire Mission Bhagiratha teamfor the successful completion of this gigantic task.

                 With a view to providing irrigation to one crore acres in the state, my Government has taken-up construction of major irrigation projects.  All hurdles put by vested interests by way of litigation or otherwise have been successfully overcome by the Government. Forest and Environmental clearances as well as all statutory permissions from different Central GovernmentSanctioning Authorities have been obtained for all the proposed irrigation projects. I am happy to share with you all that recently clearances were given to Sitarama Project which would convert the whole of erstwhile Khammam District into a totally fertile land. My government is making all-out efforts to obtain early clearances for Palamoor-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme also.

                 The Central Water Commission which visited the site of Kaleshwaram project, which once commissioned will be a boon to Telangana, complimented the efforts of my Government.Construction works on this project have been speeded up with a view to launch lifting activity through River Godavari during the coming monsoon season itself.  Recently the Chief Minister personally visited the project area to see the ongoing works and later issued instructions to the concerned to complete the project as per the time schedule to enable supply of water to fields. My government is committed to complete all the projects in the state within the next five years.

                 Mission Kakatiya Program produced excellent results in rejuvenation and revitalization of chain of tanks that had become dormant. As of now, 20,171 tanks have been revived in four phases leading to increase in water storage capacity and the resultant increase of groundwater levels. Mission Kakatiya aimed at revival of traditional water resources has been complimented in several quarters across the country. Rajendra Singh popularly known as Water Man of India, besides praising Mission Kakatiya Scheme, also celebrated his birthday in the Nekkonda Tank in Warangal Rural District. My government spent Rs 77,777 crores on irrigation sector and in the future will undertake works to a tune of Rs 1,17,000 crores.

              At the time of formation of Telangana State the power sector was in dire straits. Farmers were forced to take recourse to suicides due to severe power cuts and electric shocks. Agriculture sector faced largescale devastation due to failure of transformers and motors getting burnt up. Power holidays and severe power cuts resulted incompulsory closure of many industries. Industrialists even resorted to dharnas at Indira Park for power supply. Domestic power users were also not spared from power cuts lasting 12 hours in a day at times.   Thus at the time of formation of Telangana, there was severe power crisis. The State in a very short time has overcome the power crisis.  Through sustained efforts and careful planning this was overcome,and the State today is able to provide 24 hours uninterrupted power to all.

              To convert Telangana as a power surplus state and to bring 28000 Megawatts of installed capacity of power, my government is constructing new power plants. In a record time of 42 months construction of the seventh stage KTPS of 800 Megawatts was completed and generation started there. I am happy to say that the 1080 Megawatts Bhadradri Power Plant will also commence generation from this year to its full capacity. The 4000 MW Yadadri ultra Mega Thermal Power Plant construction is on fast track. To encourage power production through non-conventional energy sources, my Government has set a target of 5,000 Megawatts of solar power. As of now 3,613 megawatts of solar power has been produced. Telangana state stands second in solar power production in the country after Karnataka. Overall at the time of formation of State only 7,778 Megawatts of powerwas available, today it has increased to 16,503 Megawatts. I am happy to announce that Telangana established a record highestpercapita power consumption in the country which is an indicator of development. Telangana is one and the only state in the country which supplies free quality power round the clock, 24 hours, to agriculture sector. I congratulate the Government and theemployees of power sector for achieving this great success.

Revival of Agriculture:

              Several steps initiated by my Government to revive, restore and revitalize the agriculture sectorwhich was totally subjected to neglect and destruction during the erstwhile rule yielded excellent results. The steps taken by government to alleviate the despair and distress has come as a great relief to the farmer. With 24 hours round the clock quality power supply, farmers areno longer confronted with power problems. Due to government’s strategic actions fertilizers, pesticides and seed are reaching the farmer in time. To control sale of spurious seeds and fertilizers, stringent measures have been taken by my government. Government has also amended the law to invoke PD Act against those who indulge in sale of spurious seed and fertilizer.

Rythu Bandhu:

The Rythu Bandhu Scheme introduced by my Governmentaims to provide investment support to every farmer for agriculture with a view that he/she need not approach anyone for loans has earned all round praise including in the international arena. Farmers are happy as they are getting Rs 8000 per acre annually, at the rate of Rs 4000 per acre per crop. It is a matter of pride that United Nations FAO praised this scheme. Rythu Bandhu Scheme has now become a role model to several states in the country. Several states are preparing themselves to adopt this scheme. Many agricultural experts and economists like Ashok Gulati have publicly stated that Rythu Bandhu Scheme is a unique one that alone can prevent a farmer from any distress. The Rythu Bandhu Scheme has done away the problem of agriculture investment faced by farmer.  Now it has become part of national agenda of action. On discussions in several platforms and in media coverage we are frequently hearing the words “Telangana Model” much to the delight of every Telanganite.

Rythu Bhima:

              My Government has introduced a novelLife Insurance Scheme for farmers termed"Rythu Bhima" to come to the rescue of the farmer’s family in the event of his death, notwithstanding circumstances. Under this scheme, the farmer’s family would get Rs 5 Lakhs within 10 days of the death. As of now, Rs 283 crores has been paid to 5,675 farmers’ families towards Rythu Bhima insurance. For strengthening the department of agriculture, for every 5000 acres, one agriculture extension officer has been appointed. For providing a platform for farmers to discuss among themselves Rythu Vedikas are being constructed.

Cleansing of Land Records:

The comprehensive rectification and updation of land records with an objective to cleanse the entire land records system and maintain them with total transparency, has been successfully undertaken by my government. This has turned out to be unique exercise, the one of its kind in the country. With this clarity regarding the ownership of 94% of the lands could be arrived at. For regularization of sale and purchase of lands done through Sadabainamas,free registration facility was provided. My government has begun the process of comprehensive reforms aiming at cent percent transparency in the land registration system.

Reconstruction of rural economy:

The Telangana Rural Economy which stood neglectedtill todayis on the path of recovery.Livelihood of BC communities who were dependent on hereditary and traditional occupationswas severely affected.  My government has taken the initiative to extend financial assistance with a view to change the lifestyle of BCs and thereby revive and revitalize the rural economy. For the welfare of BCS Telangana Government has been implementing several schemes and programs, the kind of which is not evident elsewhere. The Yadavas, The Kurumas, the Handloom weavers, the Vishwa Karmas, the Rajakas, the Barbers and other BC communities are the greatest human resource of Telangana. The service that they render to society is invaluable.

Sheep distribution:

 Sheep distribution on a large scale to Yadavas and Kurumas has been taken-up by my government. Already 75 lakhs of sheep has been distributed. With the increase in livestock the Golla Kurumas are benefited with a wealth of over Rs 1200 crores. Golla/Kurumas are also equally happy as the government also supplies the required feed to the sheep. Telangana is alsothe only state known to run100 mobile clinics for sheep and other livestock towards emergency medical facilities.

Fisheries:

To enhance the livelihood opportunities of fishermen, my Government has taken-up large scale fish seeding and prawn seeding in all water bodies in the state. This has resulted in steep increase in the incomes of fishermen. Government is initiating steps to further develop pisciculture in the state.

Encouragement to Handloom:

Telangana is known for itsHandloom Craft. Products of Gadwal, Narayan Pet, Pochampalli, Siddipet and Siricilla are popular and famous and have their own specialty even today. With the passing of time and also neglect the handloom industry slipped into a crisis leading to numerous suicides of weavers. To improve the living conditions of handloom and power loom workers, my government took special care and initiated several programs. Government itself is purchasing the handloom products. Uniform cloth for students, police personnel and other organizations and for distributing sarees during Batukamma, Christmas and Ramzan festivals the government is buying handloom and power loom products locally. To help and assist the handloom workers, government provides 50% subsidy on yarn and chemicals.Market facilities are improved so that the worker gets a minimum return on his product. A mega publicity campaign for handloom products is underway. A Mega-Textile Park will be coming-up in Warangal to provide employment opportunities to handloom workers. Textile Hubs are proposed to be established in Siricilla and Gadwal.

Encouragement and modernization of Traditional Occupations:

Financial assistance has been provided for starting modern saloons by the Nayee Brahmins and for buying modern washing machines to wash clothesby the Rajakas. To encourage Toddy Tappers large scale plantation of Toddy Trees and palm trees has been taken-up.  The tax on toddy tress has been abolished. The ex-gratia on the event of death of toddy tapper has been enhanced to Rs 5 lakhs. MBC Corporation was established with Rs 1000 Crores seed capital for the welfare of the most backward castes.

Education:

Telangana State is marching ahead in the area of education. As part of KG to PG education policy, residential schools and colleges have been started on a largescale. Prior to formation of state there were only 296 residential schoolsto serve SC/ST/BC/Minoritiesin the state. The facilities in the school left much to be desired.  Telangana Government has established 542 new residential schools with excellent facilities. From the next academic year my Government proposes to start 119 more Residential Schools.  For the benefit of SC and ST students residential degree colleges have also been started. In these residential institutions government spends an average ofRs.1,20,000per student for providing good food and all facilities including stay. My Government provides overseas scholarship @ Rs 20 lakhs per student on the name of BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Jyotiba Pule to those poor students who pursue education abroad.

Health and Medical Services:  

              My Government has significantly developed the Public Health facilities in all Government hospitals with a view to provide better Medicare to poor people. This has resulted in increased confidence of public in Government hospitals. Necessary medical equipment, medicines, modern technology have been made available in government hospitals. For purchase of medicines in government hospitals, the budget has been enhanced threefold and thereby required medicines are made available to people free of cost. Dialysis centers have been established in 40 government hospitals. In different hospitals MRI, CT Scan, Digital Radiology, Two-D-Echo facilities have bee made available. In District and Area Hospitals the number of ICU units have been increased. The state has received several national awards in recognition of improved medical and health care

              For the benefit of poor patients in Hyderabad city, and to bring medical facilities nearer to them, Basti Davakhanas have been established at the rate of one per ten thousand population. Already 40 such davakhanas are providing medical services. In these Basti davakhanas primary medical care and diagnostic tests are done free of cost.

              Four new medical colleges have been sanctioned in the state to further expand the medical facilities and medical education. Admissions have commenced in Siddipet and Mahbubnagar colleges accordingly. In Suryapet and Nalgonda admissions will commence from next academic year.  Each of these Colleges will have 750 bedded hospitals.Mortuary vans have been provided for transporting free of cost those who succumbed in hospitals. This humane approach is a unique attempt undertaken by my Government.

KCR Kits:

              For encouraging safe delivery, KCR Kits scheme has been introduced.  Additionally, Rs 12000 financial assistance is provided to women for institutional delivery. If the new born baby happens to be a girl child, an additional Rs. 1000 is given as incentive. For use of mother and newborn child, the KCR health kit with 16 items worth Rs 2000 is given. This reduces infant mortality and maternal mortality. Maternity and child care is done efficiently. As of now, lakhs of mothers have been benefited by this scheme.

              For pregnant women under Arogya Lakshmi Scheme a one-time full meal a day is provided through Anganwadi centers. Medicines like Iron and folic acid are also distributed to them.

Kanti Velugu:

              Kanti-Velugu program has been launched and being organized successfully, toprovide eye screening facility to each and every one suffering from eye related problems in the state. After, free eye screening is done in every village and town, medicines and free spectacles are being provided to all those who require them. Surgical treatment is also provided, when necessary. On the lines of Kanti-Velugu large scale health camps are proposed to be organized across the state which shall bring other diagnostic tests like ear, nose, throat and dental for people suffering from these ailments. The health profile of every individual, as well as that of state will be developed following diagnostic tests. For implementation of this scheme necessary preliminary arrangements are underway.

Administrative Reforms:

          Comprehensive and far reaching Administrative Reforms have been implemented successfully by my government to bring administration closer to people. For administrative convenience and to speed-up implementation of government programs, 21 new districts have been formed. Additionally two more districts namely Narayan pet and Mulugu will be created soon.   43 revenue divisions were increased to 69.  459 Mandals were increased to 584. While there were 68 municipalities earlier, another 68 municipalities were created. In Telangana now we have 136 Municipalities and 6 Corporations. Earlier there were 8,690 village Panchayats and government created additional 4,383 village panchayatsmaking a total of 12,751 village panchayats.

Thandas as Village Panchayats:

          With a slogan of “our Governance in our Thanda” Telangana Government has fulfilled the dream of the STs who had been demanding for some time for converting the Thandas and Gudems as Gram Panchayats. In the state 1,326 special ST village Panchayats have been created. Added to these, 1,311 village panchayats are in the scheduled areas. In the rest of panchayats also, government has provided normal reservations for STs. Thus, in all, government has provided opportunity for 3000 STs to become sarpanches in the state in the ongoing village panchayat elections. There is no other state in the entire country which has created a panchayat system on such a large scale for STs. This historical success was achieved by my government which is progressive minded.

          To ensure safe and secure environment devoid of any breakdown in public peace and order,my government has created new police Commissionerates. At the time of formation of Telangana there were only two police Commissionerates. My Government has created 7 new police Commissionerates, increasing the total number to 9 now. In addition, new police sub-divisions, new circles, new police stations were also created. The number of police sub-divisions has increased from 139 to 163, that of circles from 688 to 717 and police stations from 712 to 814.

New Zonal System:

          It is only when the locals get employment opportunities, that  the real fruits of achieving separate Telangana would be realized. On the basis of new districts and to protect the rights of locals, my government has formed new Zonal System, to enable locals to get95% of opportunities in all local cadre jobs.  My government brought in Regulations forming seven zones and two multi zones along with district cadres. Recruitment in Telangana will take place in accordance with the provisions of new zonal Regulation.

Industrial Development:

            For those who come forward to establish new industries in the state,TS IPass popularly known as “single window without grills” has been brought by my Government.It is a very attractive scheme which enables theestablishment of new industries by investors for which the required clearances are given by respective department within 15 days of application. As on date, 8,858 industries were given clearances with an investment of Rs 1.32 Lakhs crores which are providing employment opportunities to 8.37 lakhs of individuals. 5,570 industries have started production. My Government has revived the existing sick industry of the Kagaznagar Sirpur Mill and the revival of Ramagundam Fertilizer Factory is in progress. Efforts are in progress to revive other sick industries also.

Telangana emerges stronger in IT sector:

Telangana has emerged as a robust center in IT sector. Hyderabad City has been recognized as a great IT-Hub across the globe. The IT Policy and a single window industrial policy clearances of my government, have led to a spurt in the number of IT/ITES units in the State with large scale investment coming-up. Several top IT companies are investing in Telangana. T-Hub to encourage start-up companies has created a country wide buzz. The value of IT exports this year reached Rs one lakh crores.My government is successful in expanding IT industry to other Towns/Cities of the state.

Double Bedroom Houses:

Telangana state has become a role model to the country in implementing housing scheme for poor. Ina first of its kind, my Government is constructing double bedroom houses with 100% government grant.  As of now 2,72,763 houses were sanctioned under this scheme and the construction activity is going on. Government has waived the dues of beneficiaries which they were supposed to pay under weaker section housing scheme to a tune of Rs 4000 Crores.

Law and Order:

            Due to strengthening of police, the law and order situation is on an efficient and effective track.  Peace has become a buzz word among the populace. Recognizing the importance of law and order in the development process, my government has allocated substantial budget to it. Shortly in Hyderabad City, an international standard Police Command and Control Center will be coming-up. It would be possible to monitor natural calamities, fairs and festivals in addition to law and order from this center. The police department has successfully combatted gambling and illicit liquor menace. Narcotic and adulteration related crimes are beinghandled firmly. I specially appreciate and compliment the officers and men of Telangana police forcewhich has become a role model for the entire country in maintaining law and order.

The schemes introduced and implemented by my governmentfor the welfare and development of people has brought about a better standard of living.  The state has been progressing in every arena and positions itself as a lead State in the country, due to the effective governanceunder the leadership of Sri K Chandrashekhar Rao.  This was reflected clearly in the electorateagain reposing confidence overwhelmingly and returning the existing Government to power with an emphatic majorityin the recently concluded elections. The government has been brought back to power with three fourths majority. Accepting this landslide victory with all humility and modesty, my Government proposes to initiate steps to implement the electoral promises.

My government has decided to enhance Aasara Pensions to all the eligible persons from Rs 1000 to Rs 2,016 and for differently abled persons from Rs 1500 to Rs 3,016. The age limit for eligibility to receive old age pension stands reduced to 57 years. Government is initiating measures to pay Rs 3,016 allowance to the unemployed youth. While continuing with the present system of constructing two-bedroomhouses for the poor, government will provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakhs to Rs 6 Lakhs to eligible persons who want to construct house on their own plots. Agricultural loan to an extent of Rs 1 lakh will be waived. From this year the investment support amount for agriculture under Rythu Bandhu Scheme will be enhanced from Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 per acre. Honorarium will be paid to members of Rythu Samanvaya Samithis. The report of the committee appointed for drafting schemes for the integrated development of SCs and STS will be implemented by my Government. Government will continue to press and fight for implementation of 33% reservation to BCs and 33% reservation to women in legislatures. The Telangana State Assembly has passed resolution for provision of 10% reservation to STs and 12% reservation to Minorities. For implementing these reservations the Government will continue to raise the demand with the Central Government.The SC categorization resolution of the Assembly was forwarded to center. For obtaining center’s nod for this TRS government will continue to fight.

Food processing units will be established across the state to ensure remunerative prices to the farmers. The responsibility of management of these units will be jointly done by Government, IKP employees and women groups. The services of IKP employees will be regularized as per the need. My Government,thus, iscommitted to implement all the promises made during the elections.

During the last four and half years my government has implemented a number of people-oriented welfare and development programs, including some of which not find mention in election manifesto. In the same token, in the coming five years also, my government will proceed to initiate and implement new goals, plans and schemes in accordance with the aspirations of people.

I reaffirm that, my government will rededicate itself to accomplish Bangaru Telangana, with the triumphant electoral victory as the foundation, to usher in joy, happiness and prosperity in the lives of people.

Jai Hind