Dalit Bandhu will emerge as model for nation: KTR

Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K T Rama Rao said the Telangana Dalit Bandhu scheme would emerge as a model for the entire nation.

“Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao conceived the scheme to ensure comprehensive growth in the lives of Dalits in the State. It will become a model for the entire country like other schemes such as Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme, Mission Bhagiratha, Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bima, among others,” the Minister said after hoisting the national flag on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day celebrations in Sircilla on Sunday.

Rama Rao said there was a sense of insecure feeling among Dalits since they had not experienced any change in their lives even after 75 years of independence. They remained backward only because of rulers, he said, adding that to develop confidence among Dalits that there were governments thinking about their welfare and taking steps for their development, the Chief Minister has taken up the Dalit Bandhu after extensively discussing with intellectuals and other sections of the society.

Intended for economic and social development of the community, the scheme was also proposed in the State budget, and Rs 10 lakh would be deposited in the bank accounts of beneficiaries, the Minister said. Beneficiaries can choose their self-employment schemes according to their wish and in the fields they are interested in and have previous experience, he said.

“To protect the interests of families in case any untoward incident took place, Rakshana Nidhi is also being established. Village, mandal, constituency, district and State level Dalit Bandhu committees would also be formed since the support of public in preparation and planning of schemes was necessary to make the programme a big success, ” he said.

He said Telangana, which was formed after a long struggle, had emerged as a successful State and



become a model for the country on various fronts because of its march on developmental path. “Some forces, which created hurdles during the Statehood movement, continue to create problems even now,” he said, and expressed confidence about achieving the government’s dream of a ‘Golden Telangana’ overcoming all the hurdles.

Talking about the completion of irrigation projects, Rama Rao said Mid Manair reservoir has become a water junction for Kaleshwram lift irrigation project. The Annapurna project was also completed.

Besides significant rise in ground water table in the dry land district, 2.53 lakh acres lands are also getting water with the completion of minor and medium range projects including Sripada Yellampalli taken up as part of Kaeshwaram project package 9, 10, 11, 12.

Never before in history, Upper Manair reservoir was filled completely. Kudavelli and Palvancha rivulets were the main water source for it. With the completion of Kondapochamma sagar, Godavari water has reached Upper Manair through Kudavelli vagu.

Plans were also on cards to develop Upper Manair, Mid Manair and Annapurna projects as tourism spots to attract visitors.

In order to provide employment to powerloom weavers and owners, the state government was giving Rs 2,500 crore worth Bathukamma sarees, Christmas and Ramzan orders every year.

So, weavers are able to earn Rs 16,000 to Rs 20,000 per month. On the other hand, the powerloom industry has also been strengthened through the construction of group work sheds, Thrift scheme, Yarn depot, united facility center and Jayasree Bima Yojana.

Works of Apparel park, which is being developed in 60 acres land near Peddur by spending Rs 174 crore, were in progress. About 8,000 women would get employment if the park was completed, the Minister informed.