Hyderabad, February 16: Governor E S L Narasimhan did not make any mention about the contentious Telangana Statehood issue in his customary address to the State Legislature on the opening day of the budget session today.
Rather he only listed out the numerous development and welfare programmes of the State Government in his address amidst slogan-shouting by Congress and Telugu Desam Party members for and against the bifurcation of the State.
Even before the address was completed some Telangana members (both MLAs and MLCs) belonging to the ruling Congress staged a walkout in spite of an appeal by some Telangana ministers.
Notwithstanding, the Governor concluded his 45- minutes speech with the words, “Let us all join together to make our State peaceful and prosperous.’’ Quoting former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Narasimhan said without peace all other dreams vanish and are reduced to ashes He fervently appealed to all the members of the House to help maintain peace and tranquility in the State.
The State has been going through difficult times affecting public order, pace of development and image of the State, Narasimhan lamented.
Referring to various developmental and welfare programmes undertaken by the Congress Government in the State, Narasimhan said the Central Government would shortly take a decision considering at least two irrigation projects (as against four projects which include Pranahita- Chevella, Polavaram, Kanthanapally and Dummugudem) as National projects.
Because of the sudden fall in State revenue, the Jalayagnam programme may be delayed.
But the works on Mannavaram power equipment manufacturing project may commence shortly, he added.
The Governor noted that the State’s revenues grew at a rate of over 19 per cent per annum during 2004-08 but fell to 10 per cent in 2008-09.
“The situation in the current fiscal as per available indications has been grimmer with the revenue growth further falling to five per cent between April and December 2009. But we are exploring all possibilities to revive the economy and increase capital expenditure to ensure that the virtuous cycle of economic growth continues to move,’’ Narasimhan said.
The Government is committed to providing four percent reservation to Muslim minorities and will take appropriate legal measures to honour the commitment,’’ he added.
The Governor has a special mention about the works done by former Chief Minister late YS Rajasekhara Reddy.
Describing him as the most charismatic and dynamic leaders, he said the late leader had led Andhra Pradesh to very high levels of economic prosperity and achievement in ensuring equitable distribution of fruits of economic development on saturation mode during his five-year tenure. Despite all the troubles, the Government was committed to continue all the welfare programmes taken up by late Rajasekhara Reddy, he noted.
Commitment to bring down prices of essential commodities, completion of city gas distribution project within the next two to three years, continuing seven hour free power supply and crop loans under Pavala Vaddi scheme to farmers, Aarogyasri, 108 and 104 services, decision to establish at least one ITI in each Assembly segment, implementation of NREGP and Indiramma schemes, welfare of SC, ST, BC and minority communities, women development and child welfare were among the other issues mentioned in the Governor’s address.
–Agencies