‘Salaries on time, welfare on track under Cong’

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu on Monday appealed to the people of Telangana to ensure a decisive victory for Congress candidates in the elections to 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations, stating that strong local bodies are crucial for speeding up development and effective delivery of welfare schemes. He was addressing a media conference in Madhira town.

Bhatti said the Congress government is committed to inclusive governance and long-term planning. He noted that the Municipal Administration and Education departments are being directly monitored by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who is focusing on strengthening these sectors through a structured approach. As part of urban infrastructure expansion, large-scale sewage treatment plants have been sanctioned across the State to scientifically manage wastewater. Healthcare, education and power supply in towns and cities are also being upgraded in line with global standards, he said.

Highlighting the government’s approach towards employees, the Deputy Chief Minister recalled that during the previous regime, salaries were often paid only after the 15th of every month. Since the Congress came to power, salaries are being credited on the 1st without delay. He said the government is addressing employees’ concerns and is introducing an accident insurance scheme of Rs. 1 crore. Stressing the need for continuity, he urged employees to support Congress candidates.

Bhatti said the Vision 2047 document was recently unveiled at a global summit with the aim of transforming Telangana into a three-trillion-dollar economy. He alleged that the previous rulers neglected towns, local bodies, government employees and women, and failed to enhance the Aarogyasri health cover to Rs. 10 lakh.

Warning voters against returning the earlier regime to power, he said welfare measures would be rolled back, including free RTC bus travel for women, supply of fine rice through ration shops and timely salary payments to employees.

He claimed that law and order had deteriorated in towns during the previous administration. After the People’s Government assumed office, officials were instructed to be accountable, resulting in peace and stability across urban areas.

Bhatti said the Cabinet, under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, is focused on providing basic infrastructure and improved civic amenities. Eligible poor families have been issued ration cards, and fine-quality rice costing ₹55 per kg in the open market is being supplied at 6 kg per person. To reduce household expenses, free electricity up to 200 units has been introduced, with the government paying monthly dues to power utilities.

Under the interest-free loan scheme for women’s self-help groups, cheques worth Rs. 27,000 crore have been distributed, he said, adding that the government is ready to extend more loans. Initiatives such as solar power units, petrol pumps, cottage industries and bank credit support are also being implemented to strengthen women’s economic empowerment.

Free travel for women in RTC buses has been extended across towns and cities, with the government compensating the RTC every month. Skill-oriented courses are being promoted to create jobs, and ITIs in Assembly constituency headquarters are being upgraded into Advanced Technology Centres, most of them located in municipal areas.

Focusing on Madhira, Bhatti said development works are being planned with a 50-year vision, free from political considerations. A retaining wall is being built to prevent flooding, the Wyra river is being developed as a tourism destination, and works such as underground drainage, STP construction, underground power cabling, parks and modern cremation grounds are underway. He said the “My Madhira – Clean and Green” programme is being implemented to transform the town into a cleaner and greener urban centre.

The state has now reached a stage where it can compete with developed nations. He alleged that the previous rulers, who governed the state for ten years, neglected towns, local bodies, government employees, women and several other sector

 Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu Deputy Chief Minister, Telangana