Kaleshwaram Project Imposed Huge Financial Burden on State: Vivek

He stated that the government is building a comprehensive ecosystem where students receive support from training to placement, ensuring they do not have to struggle in search of jobs after completing their courses.

The Minister laid the foundation stone for the new ATC building at Rudrangi in Vemulawada Assembly constituency on Tuesday and addressed a public meeting on the occasion. He said the nature of employment is rapidly changing due to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, Robotics and Drones.

To prepare youth for the future workforce, the state is setting up 120 Advanced Technology Centres across 119 Assembly constituencies, offering cutting-edge training instead of outdated conventional courses.

Recognising the growing role of technology in agriculture, the Minister directed Director of Employment and Training (DET) Kanti Wesley to examine the feasibility of introducing an advanced agriculture-based technology course at the Rudrangi ATC. He also suggested holding consultations with ICRISAT for designing the programme.

The Minister also criticised the previous government over the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project. He said the original Pranahita-Chevella Project, conceptualised during the united Andhra Pradesh under the leadership of the late Kaka Venkataswamy, had an estimated cost of Rs.36,000 crore and nearly Rs.11,000 crore worth of works had already been completed.

However, he alleged that the project was redesigned into the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, resulting in a significant increase in construction costs and a massive recurring electricity burden due to large-scale pumping requirements.

He questioned why the previous government abandoned gravity-based irrigation possibilities in favour of a highly energy-intensive pumping system, stating that the additional electricity expenditure worth thousands of crores is ultimately borne by the people.

He further alleged that even after structural issues emerged in the barrages, attempts were being made to mislead the public regarding the project.

The Minister announced that an Integrated School is being established in the Vemulawada constituency at an estimated cost of Rs.200 crore. He also said healthcare infrastructure is being strengthened to ensure education and medical care do not become a financial burden on poor families.

He highlighted the government's major welfare initiatives, including free bus travel for women, free electricity up to 200 units, Indiramma Housing Scheme and distribution of fine rice.

Referring to a recent Skill Development meeting held in New Delhi, the Minister said Telangana's Advanced Technology Centre model was presented before the Central government and received a positive response.

He revealed that the Union Ministry of Skill Development has constituted a special committee for designing new skill courses across the country and entrusted him with responsibilities in this initiative.

He further stated that Telangana securing three clusters under the PM SETU Scheme reflects the state's leadership in skill development. Each cluster is expected to receive funding of nearly Rs.200 crore, and the government is making efforts to secure additional clusters for Telangana.

"Our objective is to provide Telangana's youth with quality education, advanced skill training and meaningful employment. Through the Advanced Technology Centres, we will develop a highly skilled workforce and facilitate employment opportunities both within the country and overseas. I urge students to make the best use of these opportunities and build a bright future," the Minister said.