Huge inherited debts hobble govt achievements
In Short
The government has failed to fulfil the promises of ‘10 gram gold “ under the Kalyana Lakshmi scheme. The state government claimed 25 lakh farmers benefitted farm loan waiver scheme up to Rs 2 lakh
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Huge inherited debts hobble govt achievements
Hyderabad: The Congress government completed 1,000 days of the five-year term on September 2, marking its own identity in administration as well as delivering welfare scheme benefits to the needy against all odds encountered by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy since he assumed office on December 7, 2023.
Fulfilling the promises made by the Congress in the election manifesto was indeed a big challenge to the “People’s Government”, branded as such by CM Revanth Reddy, from the day one of his regime in the Telangana State. The state government has been proudly highlighting the implementation of welfare schemes and attracting huge investments. On the flip side, there is growing unrest among the youth for more jobs, land disputes under the new Bhu Bharati portal, and failure of the administration in certain sectors.
If we look at the ground reality in Telangana from villages to major cities, it reveals two distinct trends. While beneficiaries of welfare schemes are happy, the unemployed, farmers, and the middle-class people are expressing dissatisfaction, citing unfulfilled promises. They are raising their voice against the government.
These groups feel their expectations have been dashed by the disconnect between election-time promises and the actual situation on the ground. Despite announcements regarding job recruitment, youth are expressing anguish over the lack of complete assurance regarding employment.
The government has failed to fulfil the promises of ‘10 gram gold “ under the Kalyana Lakshmi scheme. The state government claimed 25 lakh farmers benefitted farm loan waiver scheme up to Rs 2 lakh. However, complaints poured in that some farmers have yet to receive the benefit due to technical issues concerning eligibility and account details. The enhancement of pension amount to Rs 4,000 remains unfulfilled.
Political analyst Prof Haragopal maintained that fiscal discipline, curbing corruption and streamlining administration to fulfil the aspirations of all sections are vital for any state government to win people’s confidence. Strong leadership is important to run the government in difficult times.
Good governance is not merely about the distribution of welfare schemes. It also entails ensuring complete security for people’s assets and rights. During 1,000 days of the Congress dispensation, ‘HYDRAA’ has been an issue that drew both high praise and severe criticism for the government. While the demolition drives undertaken in the name of lake conservation in the city earned appreciation from one section of society, they also sparked deep fear, anxiety, and a sense of insecurity among the middle class.
The proposed land acquisition for a pharma cluster in Lagacharla, Vikarabad district, led to tensions. The government succumbed to the pressure and the notification was withdrawn (though efforts are now underway to establish industrial parks in alternative locations). Similarly, complaints regarding the erroneous inclusion of private properties in the ‘22A’ list of prohibited assets sparked political and legal disputes. Furthermore, the controversy surrounding the 400 acres of land at Gachibowli—adjacent to the University of Hyderabad—faced fierce opposition from students and environmentalists. Now, the issue is sub judice.
On investments, the state government boasted about record breaking investment agreements entered with global companies at WEF summit and global summit in Hyderabad. However, the larger question remains: how many of these announced MoUs have actually materialised on the ground? How many industries have commenced production, and how many direct jobs have been generated through them? It is also essential to assess whether these development efforts remain confined to urban centres or are expanding into employment and economic opportunities across the state. An official document on the execution of the investment agreements is yet to be released to the public.
The state government has been blaming the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi regime over the mounting debt burden of Rs 8.11 lakh crore inherited from the previous administration. The ruling dispensation is maintaining that financial difficulties are the main reason for the delay in the implementation of the promises. However, the state government has successfully implemented free bus travel for women (Mahalakshmi), free electricity up to 200 units (Gruha Jyothi), LPG cylinders at Rs 500, and the distribution of fine quality rice etc., though some key promises, including monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for women, have yet to be fulfilled.
