Mega survey a game-changer

• Aug 19 survey to weed out bogus ration cards
• Money saved can help launch more schemes
• Those not at home on the day will lose benefits
• Slow pace of admn due to shortage of staff
• Govt aware of high expectations of people
• Committed to keeping all election promises
• School children not to welcome VIPs any more

Nizamabad: Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao conceded on Thursday that there was perception that things were moving slowly in the State, but clarified that his government had been proceeding in a planned manner of ushering all-round development in the State.

The Chief Minister, nevertheless, took note of high expectations of the people and even referred to the Opposition criticism in this regard. However, he sought to explain the delayed action on the election promises, saying that he did not want to implement them in a slipshod manner.

The government, he said, wanted to move ahead with a clear and proper plan, keeping the State needs in view. KCR said he had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release funds to the State. He pointed out the shortage of staff in several departments, which was also slowing down the pace of progress. The employees, scared by the bifurcation process, were unable to work with concentration, he said.

Addressing a public meeting at Armur, KCR said a financial assistance of Rs 50,000 would be provided to Dalit and Girijan youths towards marriage expenses under the ‘Kalyana Lakshmi’ scheme. Pensions to elderly persons, widows, disabled and beedi workers would be paid between Dasara and Deepavali. He had already signed a file during the day, paving way for distribution of land to poor dalit families on August 15. He announced that the practice of according welcome by the students to leaders visiting their schools would be banned. He issued orders saying students should not be made to stand in hot sun. Rao promised that dues of Rs11.5 crore to maize farmers would be paid by the government. Local MLAs would go to the houses of farmers to hand over the cheques. KCR pledged to take the State on the path of rapid progress. He explained that if the misuse of ration cards was avoided, three to four new schemes could be implemented. The August 19 State-wide household survey was intended to check misuse of funds and rid the government of corruption. If people were not found in houses during, the survey they would be omitted from government schemes, he warned.