In a vibrant
celebration under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, Telangana Raj Bhavan
marked the Foundation Day of eight States and five Union Territories at
Samskruthi Hall, Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad, on 1st November 2024. Hon'ble Governor
of Telangana, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma participated as the Chief Guest.
November 1st is
celebrated nationally as the Foundation Day of the eight states—Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Tamil
Nadu—and the five Union Territories: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh,
Delhi, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
Governor Varma
extended warm greetings to the people of these states and Union Territories,
commending the cultural and student exchange programs under Ek Bharat Shreshtha
Bharat. He remarked on the unifying power of music and dance, which transcend
language and cultural boundaries, fostering a deeper sense of national
integration. He also applauded the artists for their captivating performances
that enriched the celebration.
In his address, the
Governor noted, "This initiative has created a beautiful confluence of
cultures and traditions, furthering our unity as a nation."
Attendees were treated
to a spread of culinary delights representing the rich flavors of the eight
states and five Union Territories, showcasing their unique food heritage.
The cultural program
included a variety of performances, such as:
Andhra Pradesh:
Kuchipudi dance by Padmasri Padmaja Reddy and troupe
Kerala: Thiruvathira
and Mohiniyattam
Haryana: Haryanvi folk
dance
Karnataka: Gadag Kala
Tanda folk dance
Punjab: Bhangra and traditional
martial arts
Tamil Nadu: Veena
recital by Kumari Keerthivasini, Murugan Shabdam, and Bharatanatyam
performances by Baby S. Sai Sahasra Vani and Kumari R. Sri Rakshitha
The celebration was
graced by the presence of Principal Secretary to the Governor Shri B.
Venkatesham, IAS; Smt. Tejdeep Kaur Menon, IPS (Retd.); Sri V.C Sajjanar, IPS
MD TGRTC, Joint Secretary Shri J. Bhavani Shankar; other senior officials of
Raj Bhavan, and delegates from the eight states and five Union Territories.
Hyderabad: The Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, Shri Jishnu Dev
Varma, commemorated the Formation Day of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Raj
Bhavan, Hyderabad. The event, held under the national initiative “Ek Bharat
Shrestha Bharat,” celebrated the rich heritage, historical contributions, and
future vision of these two northern Union Territories.
Governor Varma highlighted the event’s significance as part of
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to foster unity and cultural
connections across India. Through “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat,” the Governor
noted, the program promotes interaction and mutual understanding, celebrating
India's diverse languages, traditions, tourism, sports, and best practices.
“This Formation Day observance honours the deep cultural
heritage of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and strengthens our shared identity
as Indians,” said Governor Varma. “Events like this inspire greater
appreciation and respect among our country’s regions, building lasting bonds of
friendship.”
Reflecting on the natural and cultural beauty of the northern
territories, the Governor urged the nation to consider Jammu & Kashmir and
Ladakh as centers of attraction for both national and international tourism.
Recalling his personal connection to the region, he shared, “During my stay in
the Himalayas, I was captivated by the mystique and magnificence of the
mountains. Every view reveals unique colors and shadows, as if the Himalayas
hold time itself in a gentle suspension, inviting every soul to pause and gaze
in awe.”
Representatives from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh expressed
their appreciation for the celebration, emphasizing the sense of connection and
solidarity it fostered.
In honor of the occasion, Governor Varma also recognized several
distinguished members of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh’s communities for their
contributions. Attendees were served an array of traditional dishes from Jammu
& Kashmir, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage.
The event saw the participation of Shri B. Venkatesham, IAS,
Principal Secretary to the Governor, Brigadier Sanjay V Kulkarni , Commander 47
Infantry Brigade ,Colonel Abhishek Potdar, Commanding Officer, 12th Battalion
Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Raj Bhavan officials and esteemed guests 12th
Battalion Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry.
Independence day greetings to all. Today is an auspicious day for
all of us as our country was liberated from the shackles of British colonial
rule. Today is red letter day for India since we hoisted thetricolour flagand the existence of the county came into
being with aproud momentin the history of India.
Everyone has been enjoying freedom with the sacrifices of many noted
personalities during the Indiafreedom
struggle. India's freedom from colonial rule is the result of the protracted
struggle and sacrifices of numerous freedom fighters. I am paying tributes to
all those who sacrificed their lives to the cause of the country. Remembering
the services of many freedom stalwarts , I am extending independence day
greetings to all Telangana people.
Dear all
Fighting means - struggle, war and violence. India's freedom
struggle made its own mark by adopting a non violent path. India has proved
that freedom can be achieved through non violent path to the world and the
entire credit would go to Father of India Mahatma Gandhi. I am extending
gratitude by bowing my head to Gandhi for showing a new path of violence free
struggle and his philosophy.
Dear friends,
Achieving freedom does not imply reaching the destination. India
encountered numerous hurdles in the initial times of emerging as a democratic
country. The division of India soon after attaining freedom was a big
challenge. The Congress party shouldered the responsibility ofstrengtheningthe country by laying strong foundations through planning and making
India a modern country. India would have been a non entity if the
leadershiplacked a political policy and
foresight.
Exploitation of India for centuries forced the country to face
many challenges after attaining freedom in 1947. First Prime Minister of India
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru has taken the responsibility of making India a vibrant
country . Nehru's vision and humane approach promoted India as a scientifically
and industrial developing country .
Nehru has introduced five year plans by giving top priority to
Agriculture and Industrial development. The irrigation projects constructed
during the Nehru regime were called Modern Temples. The irrigation
projectsprovidedirrigation facilities to crores of acres. The
construction of Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, Bhakranangal, Sriram Sagar
projectsstarted during the Nehru
regime. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi has completed the projects and
brought cheers in the lives of crores of farmers in India.
BHEL, ECIL , IDPL and Midhani companies were established during
the golden era of Congress rule. Green revolution, white revolution , Blue
revolution were launchedfor the
integrated development of the country. The banking sector was also nationalised
and reached the services at the door steps of rural people . This all happened
only by the visionary Congress leadership in independent India.
The Green Revolution introduced by the formerprime ministersLal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi
addressed the food crisis in India ,which imported foodgrains till 1947, and
emergedas one among food grain
exportingcountriesin the world . The 20 point programme
launched by Indira Gandhi helped for social and economic emancipation of
people. Rajiv Gandhi brought revolutionary reforms in the telecom sector.
Indigenous technology wasalso developed
in the Space and Atomic energy sectors and India stood one among a few
countries in the world to compete .
While Rajiv Gandhi brought scientific revolution in the country,
Telugu prideandproud Son of Telangana PV Narasimha Rao
changed India's future by introducing economic reforms. The developmentwhich took place during Nehru, Indira Gandhi,
Rajiv Gandhi and PV Narasimha Rao's regime placed India as one of the fastest
developing countries andcompeted with
the developed nations. The Congress contributions during the freedom struggle
and in nation building are significant and remarkable. Today's generation
should understand the facts and acquire knowledge.
Dear all
Congress hasthe history of
its commitment to the word given to people and ruled the country with
dedication. The Congress also fulfilled the aspirations of Telangana people.
Smt Sonia Gandhi made the promise of statehood for Telangana at Karimnagar
public meeting in 2004. Sonia Gandhi assured that she will fulfill the
aspirations of Telangana people and proved by granting statehood for Telangana
on June 2, 2014.
Our philosophy is Gandhi philosophy. Gandhi saysfreedom means not only political emancipation
but also thesocial and cultural
renaissance. The true meaning of sacrifices and independence will be credited
only when the fruits of India's freedom reach to the underprivileged
communities. The respect and value of the country will be elevated with the
comprehensive development of all sections of people.
Dear friends
After a decade of the formation of Telangana state, the people'
government formed in the state in tune with the aspirations of four crore
Telangana people, sacrifices of youth and students struggle.The Telangana State was originally liberated
on December 3, 2023. The government was elected by the people and for the people.
First time, the state is witnessing a democratic government.
Dear all
My government accorded the first priority to revive the freedom
which Telangana was deprived of forthe
last 10 years. We broke the shackles of physical and psychological slavery.
Today, people have thefreedom to
question the government. A facility was also created to seek suggestions from
people to run the people-friendly government. The state government is
functioning in the interests of the majority of people. The government is ready
to rectify mistakes, if any. We have been maintaining restraint though some
forces made false allegations against the government. The government is
functioning with utmost conscience and inspiration.
Dear friends
The state economy was completely ruined when the Congress assumed
power in the state. The debt burden mounted by 10 times . The total state debt
at the time of formation of Telangana was Rs 75,577 crore and it has increased
toRs 7 lakh crore in December last
year. Government released a white paper on State finances and also committed to
revitalize the state economy.
The government is already making efforts to restructure the state
debts. We met with the World Bank President during our recent visit to America.
I am delighted to announce that talks with the world bank representatives were
held in a cordial manner in extending financial assistance with low interest
rate for State development. My government will not commit the mistakes of
borrowing funds with higher interest rates and putting a heavy burden on
people. Despite facing financial hurdles,the government is making all out efforts to fulfill the promises of
Abhayahastham with a commitment of bringinghappiness in every family.
MAHALAKSHMI SCHEME
Without making any financial estimations, my government created a
record by implementingtwo of the six
promises within 48 hours after coming to power. Free bus travel for women was
launched. As of July,women saved Rs
2619 crore from the free bus travel scheme.
RAJIV AROGYASRI:
My government is committed to save every patient by providing
adequate medical treatment. The Arogyasri scheme is being strengthened by
providing corporate medical treatment to the poorer sections. The limit of the
Arogyasri scheme has been increased to Rs 10 lakhs from Rs 5 lakhs to implement
the scheme effectively. 163 medical treatments have been added under Arogyasri.
The health insurancecovers1825 medical treatments. The prices ofArogyasri packages also increased by 20 per
cent. Organ transplantation and other modern medical treatments are also
brought under the purview of the health scheme. Government already decided to
extend Arogyasri services without ration cards and committed to modernize the
government hospitals to extend medical facilities to all. The distribution of
Digital Health Profile cards with an unique number to everyone will be launched
soon. The government came up with the idea of distributing digital health cards
by compiling the health data of all people and extending medical treatment and
diagnosis in a simple way.
COOKING GAS CYLINDER AT RS 500 ONLY
With an aim to wipe out the tears of women, the government
launched a highly subsidised LPG gas cylinder supply scheme at Rs 500 under
Mahalakshmi program. The gas cylinder price was Rs 410 at the time of Congress
losing power in 2014. The cylinder price has increased to Rs 1200 in 10 years.
RS 500 gas cylinder scheme was launched on February 27 this year by extending
the benefit to 40 lakh . Today the total beneficiaries are 43 lakh under the
scheme. Government hasspent Rs 242
crore for 85. 17 lakh cylinders supplied to the beneficiaries.
GRUHA JYOTI SCHEME
The scheme has been introduced to reduce burden on poor families
and supply quality power to the beneficiaries. Free power up to 200 units is
being supplied to every identified family. The scheme was launched in March
2024. The scheme benefit is being extended to those who submitted applications
at Praja Palana centers also. A total number of 47.13 lakh beneficiaries are
enjoying the scheme benefit.
INDIRAMMA HOUSES
As promised in the election manifesto, the government launched
INDIRAMMA housing scheme to fulfill the dream of owning a house by poorer
sections in the state. The scheme was launched in the presence of Lord Sitarama
in the temple town of Bhadrachalam. The government targeted to construct 4.50
lakh houses this year . 3500 houses have been alloted to every Assembly
Constituency. Rs 5 Lakh financial assistance will also be provided to poor who
construct their house.
FARM LOAN WAIVER UPTO RS 2 LAKH
The State Government accorded top priority to agriculture. A
whopping Rs 72,659 crore has been alloted for agriculture and allied sectors in
the budget. Efforts are also being made to enhance the farmers incomes and also
farm output .
Seeds and fertilizers are supplied to the farmers through Primary
Agricultural Cooperative societies. Government supplied 11.85 lakh metric
tonnes of fertilizers to farmers up to July 24in Vana Kalam season this year.
Dear friends
Farmers are celebrating a big festival in the state. The
distressed farmers are freed from mounting debt burden. As per the Warangal
Declaration announced during the election period, the government is
successfully implementing farm loans up to Rs 2 lakhs at one go. Some political
forces said the farm loan waiver is impossible. The government made it possible
and proved farmer friendly. Opposition parties are trying to find fault in the
implementation of the farm loan waiver scheme. I would like to say something
about. Every deserving farmer will benefit from the scheme. The State
Agriculture department took the responsibility of addressing the grievances
that arose due to technical problems.
Dear friends
Government hasdeposited Rs
6,098 crore in the farmers bank accountsdirectly on July 18 and relieved them from debt burden up to Rs 1 lakh
in the first installment. 11.50 lakh farmers got a big relief. In the second
phase, 6.40 lakh farmers availed the farm loan waiver scheme benefit. Today, we
are witnessing a wonderful occasion of thewaiver of farm loan up to Rs 2 lakhs at one time. It is a proud moment
that farmers got a big relief from debts on the same day of theindependenceday. My life purpose is fulfilled. I strongly believe that the country
will flourish when the farmers prosper. Government spent Rs 31,000 crore on
farm loan waiver.
RYTHU BHAROSA
My government is committed to provide Rs 15,000 per acre to every
eligible farmer under the Rythu Bharosa scheme. The previous government paid
only Rs 10,000 per acre. The ineligible mainly the land owners who did not
cultivate lands and realty owners also benefitted. Public money was misused and
the farmers are at the receiving end. Government is preparing modalities and
guidelines to implement the Rythu Bharosa scheme in a transparent manner. A
Cabinet Subcommittee was also constituted. The subcommittee visited the state
and sought opinions and suggestions from farmers, agriculture labourers ,
intellectuals and farmer associations on Rythu Bharosa. Government will launch
Rythu Bharosa by consideringall
suggestions and finalizing the modalities.
RS 500 BONUS FOR FINE PADDY VARIETY
Telangana has been practicing abundant paddy cultivation. Farmers
are facing problems due to lack of remunerative price to their farm produce. It
is decided to provide a Rs 500 bonus for fine paddy varieties. 33 fine
varieties were already identified.
Government is purchasing paddy at the procurement centers and also
provided a minimum support price. The number of procurement centersincreased to 7178 in the Rabi season. The
payments are made within 48 hours of the purchase. 24 hour free power supply to
agriculture is provided. The government is curbing spurious seed supply
strictly.
CROP INSURANCE SCHEME
Government has decided to join theFasal Bima Yojana scheme to implement the crop insurance scheme.
Government will pay the premium on behalf of the farmers and provide security
to the crops with any burden on the farming community. The Rythunestham program
has been launched to provide modern technology andadvanced scientific practices to the farmers
to increase the crop yields. Special incentives will be provided for Palm Oil
and Horticulture crops.
SOLUTION FOR DHARANI PROBLEMS
Government paid special focus on Dharani problems being faced by
the farming community in the state. Farmers suffered a lot due to
irregularities and lopsided policies adopted in the functioning of Dharani.
Special drive was taken up between March 1 and 15 to address Dharani problems.
Government has taken measures to register complaints in case the applications
on dharani problems are rejected. Government already instructed the authorities
to address the pending dharani applications. The government is mulling to bring
an integrated act to address land related issues.
TACKLING DRUG MENACE WITH IRON HAND
Today , the society is marred by drug and cyber crimes. The threat
of ineffectiveness of the people is looming large due to the two big menaces.
It is a worrying factor for all and the major concern is the future
generations. Strict measures have been initiated to free the state from drug
menace. Government adopted Zero tolerance to curb drug trafficking. T- NAB is
strengthened. Call centre with 1930 numberis functioning round the clock to receive complaints from the victims of
the cyber frauds.
REVOLUTIONARY REFORMS IN EDUCATION
Government decided to constitute the " Vidya Commission"
soon. 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.
Uniforms and textbookssupplied to the students on the first day of the opening of the schools.
Basic amenities in the schools are provided through Amma Adarsha School
Committees. 65 ITI institutions are upgraded as skill development centers with
the help of Tata company. Integrated Model schools for SC, ST, BC and
Minorities will be established on a sprawling 25 acres in every Assembly
Constituency.
Foundation stone was already laid for Young India Skills
University at Begari Kancha. This new initiative will be revolutionary in
Telangana education sector. Job guarantee is provided to the youth with new
skills. Mahindra group Chairman Anand Mahindra has been appointed as the
Chairman of the Skill University.
TELANGANA - HYDERABAD IS FUTURE STATE
It is not glossy buildings and colourful walls but qualitative
change in the lives of people is the need of the hour.Development and welfare should be undertaken
equally to bring qualitative changes in people's lives.The 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 held meetings with global investors and multinational
company representatives and explained investment prospects in Telangana. We
projectedTelangana 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. Governmententered MoUs
with companies and achieved a recordRs
40,000 crore investments in Telangana at Davos meeting. Government already
started an action plan to execute the agreements. We strongly hope that the
huge investments will provide employment to Telangana youth.
HYDRA FOR CITY
Government has established HYDRA forthe management of Hyderabad Cityand the proposed new City in a planned manner.
All the urban areas and Gram panchayats spread up to Outer Ring Road are
recognised as Telangana Core Urban Region. HYDRA ( Hyderabad Disaster Response
and Assets Protection Agency) will protect government properties, water bodies
and parks from encroachments. The Hydra will also play a key role in disaster
management in the crisis time.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH
Government handed over appointment orders to 30,000 selected
persons within 3 months after coming to power. Telangana Public Service
Commission has been reformed and conducted Group one prelims exam successfully.
DSC to fill 11,062 teachers postswas
also conducted successfully. The age limit for government jobs increased to 46
years from 44 years.
Government solved the legal problems to conduct Group one, Group
-2 and Group 3 exams. Job calendar was also announced in the Assembly. The
exams will be conducted as per the job calendar and fill the vacancies every
year. I am assuring the unemployed youth that my government is ready to solve
the problems . Youth should bring their issues to the notice of the government.
My appeal to the youth is to not get carried away by false statements from
rival parties and spoil thefuture.
Youth have already lost their precious 10 years of time. I will stand by as a
big brother. Rs one lakh financial assistance is already provided to the
students who cleared Civils prelims under Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastham
with the support of Singareni.
INDIRA MAHILA SHAKTI SCHEME
Government already envisaged plans to empower 63 lakh women as
entrepreneurs and industrialists under the Indira Mahila Shakti scheme. The
government targeted to provide Rs one lakh crore financial assistance and
establish Srinidhi. Government will provide required skills to the women groups
and also promote their products through branding and marketing.
Government already introduced a loan insurance scheme under the
Indira Mahila Shakti scheme. Under the scheme, a maximum loan amount of Rs 2
lakhs will be waived off in case the woman member in the group dies. The self
help groups were already given the works of stitching school uniforms and
opened DWCRA Mahila Bazar to sell their products at shilparamam. Life insurance
facility is also provided to 63.86 women group members. Rs 10 lakh accident
insurance policy for women groups was also launched.
SOLVINGDIVISION OF ASSETS
The division of assets between the two statesafter the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh
remained pending for the last 10 years. Water sharing in river Krishna and
Godavariwas also not addressed. My
government is giving priority to state interests and maintaining cordial
relations with the neighbouring states as well as with the Centre. Government
is hoping for a positive outcome from the talks held recently with AP Chief
Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on pending bifurcation related issues.
This is the people's government and everyone's government. My
government respects democratic values and gives importance to freedom. I am
assuring all that the government will accord top priority to welfare and make
Telanganaproud on the world platform. I
am appealing to all to extend cooperation and independence day greetings to all
once again.
Dear friends
The USA and South Korea tour derived fruitful results. We held
talks with 10 most popular global companies. The government entered agreements
for Rs 31,532 crore investments in Telangana. The MoUs with global companies
will create 30,000 job opportunities. Government introduced Telangana as'
Future City' before the world during the US visit. It is a big milestone.
Hoping Telangana will reach many heightsin the future, I am assuring all that the People's Government will
strive to prosper farmers, youth , women, employees, traders and all sections
in a peace loving welfare state.