Draw inspiration from Singapore: CM to people

GRAMA JYOTHI SCHEME

Holds review meeting, seeks active participation of villagers

Hyderabad: Expressing concern over non-development of villages despite spending thousands of crores of rupees, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Thursday exhorted the people to participate in Grama Jyothi programme actively to bring about complete change and rapid development in villages.

Addressing a video conference of district collectors, Superintendents of Police and other district officials at Marri Channa Reddy Human Resources Development Center here, the Chief Minister stressed the need for rejuvenating Dalit localities and Girijan hamlets by active involvement of people to implement their own plans of development for five years through funding by the government.

He recalled that SK Dey, the first Union minister for community development, had tried to expand Panchayat Raj system in Hyderabad. “Get inspiration from Singapore, which once lacked drinking water facility, is now dictating terms to the world, and put in combined efforts for growth.

Gangadevapally in Warangal and Ankapally in Nizamabad are noted for development of Panchayat Raj and Mulkanur in Karimnagar has achieved development in cooperative sector. As no asset being created despite spending huge funds in rural areas, we need to chalk out a plan for five years,” he said.

The Chief Minister also said ‘Pattana Jyothi’ programme on the lines of Grama Jyothi would also be conducted with active involvement of public leaders and government officers.

Giving pat to the officials for smooth and peaceful conduct of Godavari Pushkaralu, Chandrashekar Rao said the ensuing Medaram Jathara and Krishna Pushkaralu would also be celebrated in a grand manner.

Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari, Cabinet sub-committee chairman for Grama Jyothi and Panchayat Raj Minister KT Rama Rao, Finance Minister Eatala Rajender, Irrigation Minister Tanneer Harish Rao, Agriculture Minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Roads and Buildings Minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao, Energy Minister Guntakandla Jagadish Reddy, Forest Minister Jogu Ramanna, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Niranjan Reddy and others were present.

Meanwhile, in a significant development, the Telangana government issued orders releasing Rs 2,043 crore towards crop loan waiver, according to the information. With this, the K Chandrashekar Rao government has so far cleared decks for waiving off 50 per cent of the loans given to the farmers.

It may be noted here that Chandrashekar Rao reiterated that he would extend a helping hand to the farmers but could not complete the waiving process. This step by the government is a major reprieve for the farming community in the State awaiting timely succor, say the officials.

Some three weeks ago, the State government had released similar amount for the purpose. It is likely that the government would clear the remaining 50 per cent of loans in two years. The release of second phase of funds came at a time when the Opposition parties were making a hue and cry against the government in this regard.