metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy lashed out at the Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre for discrimination meted out to Telangana in Padma awards selection and also its fresh moves to take control of universities in states by amending the UGC guidelines.

In a separate meeting later after launching the four government schemes-Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa, Indiramma Indlu, Ration Cards in his native Kodangal constituency, Revanth Reddy said that government started these schemes today (January 26) and extending the benefits will continue till March 31 so that every eligible person in the state is covered.

Revanth Reddy inaugurated the statue of Dr B R Ambedkar in BR Ambedkar Open University (BRAOU) campus in Jubilee Hills on Sunday afternoon and later laid foundation stone for construction of Skill Development Centre, Digital Resource Centre, Central Instrumentation Centre, Essential Staff Quarters and a Modern Bus Shelter in the varsity campus.

Revanth Reddy has expressed his disappointment regarding the perceived unfair treatment of Telangana in the allocation of the Padma Awards. He noted that the central government failed to acknowledge the contributions of prominent personalities from Telangana such as Gaddar, Chukka Ramaiah, Andesri, Goreti Venkanna, and Jayadheer Tirumala Rao, whose names were recommended by the state government to the Centre for consideration under Padma Awards from Telangana.

We are dismayed by the injustice experienced by Telangana in this context. My government will formally address this matter with a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi," stated Revanth Reddy, also congratulating Manda Krishna Madiga for getting Padma Shri.

The neighbouring state (referring to Andhra Pradesh) was given five awards. If not that number, Centre could have given four awards and accommodate the names recommended by the Telangana government, he said.

Revanth hints at increasing retirement age for Professors

The CM hinted at increasing the retirement age from the present 60 years to 65 years for university professors. There have been requests from the academic fraternity for the increase in retirement age. 

Revanth launches four schemes from his turf

CM Revanth Reddy emphasized the launch of key welfare schemes, including Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa, Indiramma Indlu and the distribution of ration cards in Chandravancha village in Kosgi mandal of Kodangal constituency. These initiatives focus on supporting farmers, the poor and landless individuals. Under Rythu Bharosa, farmers receive Rs 12,000 per acre annually, with Rs 6,000 deposited directly after midnight.

The program promises to benefit 70 lakh farmers with an annual outlay of Rs 20,000 crore. For landless poor families, Indiramma’s Atmiya Bharosa offers Rs 12,000 per year, impacting 10 lakh families. The government has also committed to providing free electricity to farmers, subsidized gas cylinders, and free bus rides for girls.

The CM outlined his vision for transforming Kodangal, a constituency historically overlooked. He pledged to build 15,000–20,000 houses under the Indiramma Housing Scheme within four years, starting with 3,500 homes by March 31. Highlighting past efforts, he pointed out the allocation of 34,000 houses to the poor during YS Rajasekhar Reddy's era.

Accountability and people-centric governance

CM Reddy underscored the Congress party's commitment to accountability, contrasting it with the previous BRS regime. Accusing the BRS party of neglect and obstruction, he vowed to bring educational and healthcare institutions to Kodangal.

Reddy criticized the lack of progress under the previous administration, particularly in no issuance of a single ration card in 10 years, double-bedroom housing and pending irrigation projects like Palamuru Rangareddy. He highlighted efforts to ensure direct engagement with people through village councils and the proactive presence of government officials.

Revanth defends his brother’s role in Kodangal

Revanth Reddy told the gathering that his brother Tirupati Reddy will always be available in the constituency to address their issues and concerns on his behalf as he will be busy looking after the entire state being its CM. Revanth said BRS was finding fault with this and questing what post does his brother have.

“I want to clarify to the people of the state that our family is not interested in posts but to serve the people. My family has given lands for free for development works in the constituency and everyone knows about it here. We are not like KCR’s family where the son, daughter, nephew, another nephew, other relatives take key posts to loot the state resources. Our family is not like that,” Revanth said.