Hyderabad, August 15: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy delivered a powerful Independence Day address at the historic Golconda Fort, declaring that his government will not rest until Telangana emerges as the world’s number one state, overcoming its current financial burdens. Emphasising the proverb “Where there is a will, there is a way”, the CM asserted that his administration possesses both the determination and the vision to transform the state from ground zero to the highest peaks of progress.
The 79th Independence Day celebrations began with CM Revanth Reddy receiving a ceremonial guard of honour at the Rani Mahal lawns, hoisting the national flag, and leading the Telangana State Anthem. This was followed by an inspection of the parade and an address to the people of the state.
Financial Challenges & Achievements
The Chief Minister revealed that when the people’s government assumed office, the state carried a debt burden of ₹8,21,651 crore, including ₹6,71,757 crore in loans, ₹40,154 crore in pending dues for employees and welfare schemes, and ₹1,09,740 crore payable to SC/ST sub-plans, Singareni Collieries, power sector, and other departments. In just 20 months, the state had to manage debt servicing of ₹2,20,676 crore (₹1,32,498 crore principal and ₹88,178 crore interest).
Despite these challenges, the government rolled out several major welfare initiatives:
- Food Security: Launch of fine rice distribution from Ugadi, benefiting 3.10 crore people at a cost of ₹13,000 crore.
- New Ration Cards: Statewide distribution of fresh ration cards began in July.
- Farm Loan Waiver: Fulfilled the 2022 Warangal promise by waiving ₹20,616 crore in loans for 25.35 lakh farmers.
- Rythu Bharosa: Provided ₹9,000 crore investment support in just 9 days in June.
- Procurement & Bonuses: Purchased every grain of paddy through 7,178 procurement centres, offering a ₹500/quintal bonus for fine rice.
- Free Power: Extended free electricity to 29 lakh agricultural pump sets with subsidies worth ₹16,691 crore.
In total, the government has spent ₹1.13 lakh crore on agriculture and farmer welfare since taking charge.
Housing & Social Justice
- Construction of 3,500 Indiramma houses in each Assembly constituency, totalling ₹22,500 crore.
- Passing legislation to provide 42% reservations for BCs in local bodies, education, and jobs—awaiting Central approval.
- Implemented SC classification to fulfil decades-old demands.
- Declared February 4 as Telangana Social Justice Day.
Women, Youth & Employment
- Goal to create “one crore millionaires” among women through various empowerment schemes.
- Conducted recruitment exams transparently, filling 60,000 government jobs.
- Generated lakhs of private-sector job opportunities.
- Intensified crackdown on drug abuse among youth.
Infrastructure & Vision 2047
The CM outlined an ambitious Telangana Rising 2047 Vision Document to be unveiled in December, aiming to position Telangana as a global leader by India’s centenary of independence. Key projects include:
- Regional Ring Road, greenfield highways, dry ports.
- Metro rail expansion, radial roads linking ORR and RRR.
- Development of Warangal and Adilabad airports.
- Industrial corridors.
- Moosi River rejuvenation, rural agricultural development.
- Young India Skills University and Young India Sports University.
- Young India Integrated Residential Schools in every Assembly constituency.
Brand Hyderabad & Global Presence
Highlighting Hyderabad’s role as Telangana’s economic powerhouse, CM Reddy noted the city’s hosting of high-profile events such as Miss World, the World Global AI Summit, the Global Rice Summit, and BioAsia. Hyderabad is now emerging as a preferred destination for Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
Law & Order
CM Reddy praised Telangana Police for making Hyderabad one of the safest global cities, crediting their professionalism for the state’s international reputation for peace and security.
Tribute to Freedom Fighters
The CM paid homage to India’s freedom fighters, acknowledging their sacrifices over the last 79 years as the foundation of modern India. “It is our duty to carry forward their vision with dedication,” he said, adding that the people’s government in Telangana is driven by the same spirit.
The celebrations saw the participation of Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, DGP Jitender, senior officials, and a large public gathering. On the occasion, the CM also felicitated noted playback singer Rahul Sipligunj with a cheque of ₹1 crore as an encouragement for his achievements.
