■ BC quota boost: Telangana CM proposes 42% reservation for BCs, urges BJP & Congress leaders to push for central approval.

■ Empowering youth: Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme launched with ₹6000 crore allocation to support 5 lakh unemployed youth.

■ Name change controversy: CM defends renaming Telugu University, calls for unity and administrative clarity.

■ Honoring leaders: Govt plans to rename Cherlapally Railway Terminal after Potti Sriramulu and Balkampet Hospital after K. Rosaiah.

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized his government's commitment to enhancing Backward Classes (BC) reservation to 42%, fulfilling the Congress party’s electoral promise. Revanth expressed gratitude to those who participated in the BC caste census and emphasized that the entire House supports the increase in BC quota.

Speaking in the Assembly after the introduction of two bills relating to reservation of seats in educational institutions and of appointments or posts in the services for Telangana BCs, SCs and STs and reservation of seats in Rural and Urban Local Bodies for BCs in Assembly on Monday, the Chief Minister announced the withdrawal of the previous government's proposal for 37% BC reservation and introduced a new proposal to raise the quota to 42% in education, employment, and politics. Declaring February 4 as ‘Social Justice Day,’ he urged all political parties to unite in securing central approval for the enhanced reservation.

The CM called upon BJP leaders Kishan Reddy, Bandi Sanjay, and the party’s floor leader in Assembly to facilitate a meeting for all-party delegation from Telangana with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also tasked TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud with seeking Rahul Gandhi’s appointment to meet and push the bill in Parliament.

Stressing on the accuracy of the BC caste census, the Chief Minister assured that proactive legal and political steps would be taken to achieve the 42% reservation goal. "We are committed to the Kamareddy Declaration and will not rest until our objective is met," he declared.

CM launches RYV scheme, tells Cong.MLAs to leverage RYV to help the needy youth in their segments

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy launched the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial assistance for self-employment to 5 lakh unemployed youth. The government has allocated Rs. 6000 crores for this scheme, ensuring substantial support to beneficiaries with assistance ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 4 lakhs.

At the launch programme held in Assembly premises, CM highlighted the need for transparency and urged Congress MLAs to identify and support genuine unemployed youth in their constituencies while ensuring the process remains free of favoritism. He emphasized that individuals with substantial assets, such as five-storey buildings, should not be included in the list. The beneficiary list, set to be announced on June 2, will be thoroughly vetted by officials to maintain integrity.

The CM stressed on the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through job creation, self-employment schemes, and skill development. Under the Congress government’s leadership, over 57,000 jobs have been recruited, and initiatives like free power to schools, affordable gas cylinders, and welfare measures continue to benefit millions.

He also expressed gratitude to other party MLAs for attending the scheme’s launch, underscoring that Rajiv Yuva Vikasam is a scheme for the people, beyond party lines.

Don’t create caste-based row over name change: Revanth

Meanwhile, Revanth has urged political leaders to refrain from creating a caste-based controversy over the renaming of Potti Sriramulu Telugu University after Suravaram Pratap Reddy. The CM condemned political attempts to divide society based on caste and religion, urging leaders to act responsibly for the state’s progress and unity.

Speaking after a bill to rename the university was introduced in the Assembly on Monday, CM emphasized that renaming institutions is an administrative decision aimed at avoiding duplication and does not undermine the contributions of any individual.

CM pointed out that several universities in Telangana had been continuing with names that existed in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, leading to administrative confusion. “We have undertaken the renaming of universities to reflect Telangana’s identity while ensuring due respect to all great personalities,” he said. He cited similar changes, such as renaming Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University after Professor Jayashankar and YSR Horticulture University after Konda Laxman Bapuji, among others.

Highlighting the government’s respect for Potti Sriramulu’s sacrifices, the CM announced that they would write to the Centre to rename Cherlapally Railway Terminal in his honor. He called upon Union Ministers Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay to facilitate the approval process.

In response to concerns from the Arya Vysya community, the government has decided to name Balkampet Nature Cure Hospital after former Chief Minister and Congress stalwart K. Rosaiah, recognizing his contributions.