CM Revanth Reddy Urges Employees to Strengthen State Economy
CM says Telangana first to implement SC classification after Supreme Court order; stresses education and welfare for Madiga community
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday said the Congress government had implemented the categorisation of Scheduled Castes as the long-pending demand of the Madiga community was justified, despite political pressure against the move.
Addressing a thanksgiving programme organised by Madiga employees at Shilpakala Vedika, the Chief Minister said Telangana became the first state to implement SC sub-categorisation following the Supreme Court’s directions.
The Chief Minister said the demand had remained unresolved for decades despite several commissions studying the issue and many activists sacrificing their lives during the struggle.
Recalling his own support to the movement for nearly two decades, he said the government fulfilled its responsibility by bringing legislation in the Assembly with the support of Cabinet colleagues.
Revanth Reddy described government employees as the “eyes, ears and brand ambassadors” of the administration and urged them to help strengthen the State’s finances by preventing leakages and curbing irregularities. He noted that around 1,000 employees were retiring every month and the government was mobilising nearly `1,000 crore monthly to clear retirement benefits and pending bills.
The Chief Minister said SC categorisation alone would not resolve all problems faced by Dalit communities and stressed the need to focus on reservations in promotions, higher education opportunities and protection of assigned lands. He called for careful implementation of welfare programmes so that benefits reach people at the grassroots.
Highlighting the government’s welfare initiatives, he said efforts were underway to ensure that eligible beneficiaries received ration cards, fine rice, Indiramma houses and free power. A 99-day action plan had been prepared to improve delivery of schemes to the poor.
Criticising the previous BRS government, Revanth Reddy alleged that it confined the empowerment of backward communities to distributing livestock and encouraging traditional occupations. In contrast, he said the Congress government believed education was the key to social mobility and was undertaking reforms in the education sector to provide quality learning opportunities for Dalits and other disadvantaged groups.
Recalling the political struggle leading up to the 2023 Assembly elections, the Chief Minister said the Congress fought against a powerful regime with determination to bring change in people’s lives. He appealed to Madiga employees to support the government and remain vigilant against political attacks while it worked to address the long-standing issues of the community.