A manifesto for everyone: CM KCR unveils third term plans

The manifesto, which reflects a visionary approach to governance, also underlines efforts to create a more inclusive and prosperous State and continue the agenda of development.

Hyderabad: Showcasing an array of welfare measures and policy initiatives that promise to bring more comprehensive changes touching every facet of life for the people of Telangana, BRS president and Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Sunday unveiled the party manifesto at Telangana Bhavan.

The manifesto, which reflects a visionary approach to governance and underlines efforts to create a more inclusive and prosperous State, also promises all ongoing schemes will be continued when the party returns to power in the State.

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One of the pivotal features of the manifesto is the “KCR Bima-Prathi Intiki Dheema” life insurance scheme providing life insurance coverage of Rs.5 lakh for every ration card holder, benenfiting a whopping 93 lakh families in Telangana. The State government will implement the scheme by paying the entire premium on behalf of beneficiaries to the Life Insurance Corporation of India for effective implementation of the scheme on the lines of Rythu Bima.

Another major scheme benefiting ration card holders will be Telangana Annapurna, which assures supply of fine rice to all 93 lakh families, ensuring no one goes hungry in the State.

In a huge boost to farmers in the State, the BRS has also announced an increase in the Rythu Bandhu financial assistance from the the existing Rs.10,000 per acre per year to Rs.16,000 per acre per year. “We will increase the amount to Rs.12,000 in next financial year and thereafter, it will be increased every year gradually upto Rs.16,000,” Chandrashekhar Rao said.

Similarly, there will be significant raise in the Aasara social security pensions from the existing Rs.2,016 to Rs.5,016 in a phased manner. The pensions for differently abled persons will witness an even more substantial raise – from the existing Rs 4,016 to Rs 6,016. “The pensions also will be enhanced in a phased manner. The decision is taken to ensure that there is no unnecessary burden on the treasury,” he said.

In view of rising LPG cylinder prices, the BRS revealed plans to provide LPG cylinders at a subsidised price of Rs.400 to all eligible poor women and also accredited journalists. Providing financial independence to eligible poor women, the BRS plans to provide a monthly honourarium of Rs.3,000 under the Soubhagya Lakshmi scheme.

It also announced to amplify the Aarogya Sri healthcare scheme by increasing the coverage limit to Rs.15 lakh from the existing Rs.10 lakh. An exclusive healthcare scheme will be introduced to provide comprehensive health coverage for journalists under KCR Aarogya Raksha on the lines of the government employees healthcare programme.

The Chief Minister asserted that the BRS party’s commitment to housing for all would continue. In addition to completing construction of around one lakh 2 BHK houses in Hyderabad, he promised another one lakh 2BHK houses apart from Gruha Lakshmi financial assistance to more people who own land for construction of houses, and also to provide housing sites to eligible persons.

Declaring that the BRS manifesto does not discriminate when it comes to education, Chandrashekhar Rao assured to establish 119 Gurukul (residential welfare) schools for economically backward students from upper castes, with one such school in every constituency. All existing minority welfare residential junior colleges will be upgraded to residential degree colleges. Special attention will be paid to the welfare of orphans, as the manifesto promises a dedicated Orphan Policy to treating them as “Children of the State” and taking their complete responsibility.

The BRS president also promised to examine possibilities of lifting restrictions on assigned lands pertaining to Dalits and provide complete rights to the land owners. He said upon returning to power, a brainstorming session would be conducted with all Dalit legislators from all political parties to devise a solution in this regard.
The manifesto also promises appointment of a committee to study the feasibility of transitioning from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to the Old Person Scheme (OPS) for government employees. It also assures to construct own buildings for women Self Help Groups (SHGs).