Governor Narasimhan skips 'T' in speech

This was stated by Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan in his address the joint sitting of both Houses of the state legislature on the opening day of the budget session on Wednesday. What is intriguing is that political uncertainty prevailing in the state over the Telangana issue and the numerous consultations taking place both at the state and central levels, there was no mention of A "T" in the Governor's address. As a matter of fact the monotonous address of the Governor read like a progress report of the Congress government. Without directly pinpointing the recent twin blasts in Dilshuknagar but obviously referring to the dastardly incident which had claimed 17 lives and injuries to 120 others, the Governor said all out efforts were underway to bring the culprits to book. The government has taken a holistic approach towards victims of terror violence for their complete relief and rehabilitation including bearing all medical expenditure, providing exgratia , providing jobs to the kin of those killed and permanently incapacitated, he explained. Narasimhan further said the government was planning to go in for a safe city concept in Hyderabad by providing Integrated Surveillance Camera Systems all over the city in addition to bringing necessary amendments in relevant laws and rules. "The recent ghastly incident of terror violence has enhanced our resolve and commitment for ensuring safety and security of the people of the state", he added. Pointing out that the touchstone of the efficacy of government policies and programmes was its outreach to the poorest and marginalized A sections of society, Narasimhan expressed happiness that the state government was "making things happen" and said the enactment of AP Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan Act, the first of its kind in the country, would be a torchbearer for the economic and social transformation of these sections. Narasimhan said several steps taken by the government for improving the fiscal management over the last few years have started paying dividends in terms of higher annual plan outlay year after year. AP stands tall among all states with the highest projected outlay of Rs.3,42,842 crores for the 12th A Five Year Plan, he added. Recalling the devastation caused by the recent Neelam cyclone to the tune of Rs.3560 crores damages to crop, the Governor said the government has increased the input subsidy from Rs.6000/- to Rs.10,000/- per hectare for paddy, sugarcane and groundnut etc., He further said thatg the all the welfare programmes taken during the last five years would be continued besides initiating new welfare schemes like rupee one rice scheme, manabiyyam, interest-free loans to women shelf help groups under Indira Kranthi Patham, state milk mission, Rajiv Yuva Kiranalu, Rachabanda, Mee Seva etc. Nrasimhan said in an attempt to reflect the genuine concern of the government for farmers, a separate plan for the farming sector was being presented in the current session along with the budget documents of 2013-14 for the first time. It is also planning to complete 50 prioritized projects by 2013-14 A creating a new irrigation potential of 34 lakh acres. The government was also committed to secure national project status to the Polavaram and Pranahitha-Chevella Projects.