KTR pitches Telangana’s growth story to global audience at Oxford
At the Oxford India Forum, K T Rama Rao highlighted Telangana’s growth since 2014, crediting process-driven governance, innovation, and welfare schemes. He urged global collaboration, opposed population-based seat delimitation, and outlined priorities if appointed Chief Minister.
Hyderabad: Telangana’s development model was showcased once again on a global stage by former Minister and BRS working president K T Rama Rao, who addressed the Oxford India Forum at Oxford University, UK on Saturday.
Rama Rao presented a case study on the State’s rapid transformation since its formation in 2014. Under the theme ‘Governing Innovation – A Telangana Case Study’, he highlighted key milestones in economic growth, welfare, and innovation that have positioned Telangana as a model for other States and developing regions.
Describing Telangana as “the most successful startup State of independent India,” he said its formation was the result of decades of peaceful democratic struggle. In just over a decade, Telangana has moved from aspiration to achievement, rising from the 12th position in national economic rankings to becoming a leader in agriculture, industry, and technology.
The State’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) has surged from Rs.4 lakh crore to Rs.15 lakh crore, while per capita income rose from Rs.1.12 lakh to Rs.3.57 lakh. However, Telangana’s story, he noted, goes beyond numbers—it represents restored dignity, empowered citizens, and a resilient society.
Among the landmark achievements he highlighted were the Kaleshwaram Project—the world’s largest lift irrigation project—completed in a record four years. It revolutionised irrigation and made Telangana the top State in inland fisheries. He also pointed to the State achieving 100 per cent safe drinking water coverage for one crore households and eradicating fluorosis.
On the economic front, K T Rama Rao showcased Hyderabad’s emergence as a global technology hub, hosting the world’s largest campuses of companies like Amazon and housing T-Hub, the world’s largest innovation campus that supports thousands of start-ups. Telangana’s pharmaceutical sector now produces one-third of global vaccines, solidifying its leadership in life sciences.
He underlined the effectiveness of the TS-iPASS policy, which guarantees industrial clearances within 15 days and helped Telangana secure top rank in NITI Aayog’s ease of doing business index.
Rama Rao also spoke about the transformative Rythu Bandhu scheme, which has transferred $9 billion directly to 70 lakh farmers, boosting agricultural output. Paddy production grew from 68 lakh metric tonnes to 3 crore tonnes within a decade. He attributed Telangana’s success to process-driven governance, replacing personality-driven systems with transparent, accountable institutions.
Reflecting on his personal journey, he shared how he gave up a promising career in the United States to join the Telangana statehood movement led by K Chandrashekhar Rao, describing politics as a tough but fulfilling route to social change.
On replicating Telangana’s development model elsewhere, he stressed the importance of visionary leadership and cooperative federalism, urging the union government to encourage collaboration among States.
Rama Rao also criticised the move to redraw Lok Sabha constituencies based solely on population, saying it would unfairly penalise southern States like Telangana for effectively controlling population growth. He proposed a GDP-based formula for equitable representation.
Asked about his priorities if appointed Chief Minister, Rama Rao said he would focus on sustained economic growth, job creation, and welfare for vulnerable communities, balancing compassion with progress.
On women’s political participation, he hailed the Women’s Reservation Bill as a landmark reform but urged India to aim higher, stating that women’s leadership would accelerate national progress.
Concluding his address, he invited global institutions like Oxford to collaborate with Telangana in driving innovation and inclusive growth. “India is the future, and Telangana will continue to tell its story,” he declared.
