Government committed to providing quality food to students, says Bhatti

Deputy Chief Minister also clarifies government’s stance on providing financial assistance under the ‘Rythu Bharosa’ scheme, adding that the formulation of norms for the scheme is actively under way

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the State government is committed to providing quality food to students in government educational institutions, especially in light of recent food poisoning incidents.

“Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed senior officials, ministers and MLAs to physically monitor the facilities to ensure a clean environment and the provision of quality meals. Additionally, we have increased mess charges by 40% to provide nutritious food for students,” he said.

During an informal interaction with the media at Gandhi Bhavan on Wednesday, the Deputy Chief Minister clarified the government’s stance on providing financial assistance under the ‘Rythu Bharosa’ scheme, adding that the formulation of norms for the scheme is actively under way.

He revealed that details of 26 lakh acres of assigned land distributed during the Congress regime in Telangana are being collected to assess their current status following the introduction of the Dharani website, an integrated land records management system, and assured that these lands would be redistributed to the deserving poor.

Dismissing criticism of poor performance by ministers in Revanth Reddy’s cabinet, Mr. Vikramarka said, “Our ministers are workers and are not confined to their houses like those in the BRS regime.” He also refuted allegations that Congress was luring BRS MLAs, instead attributing defections to internal feud within the BRS.

Mr. Vikramarka emphasised the government’s commitment to development and welfare, highlighting that ₹10,000 crore has been allocated for Hyderabad’s development, with grand inaugurations planned soon.

Defending the government’s initiatives, including a comprehensive household survey in the State, he stated that the survey aims to foster progressive values and ensure equality among all sections of society in Telangana. He dismissed allegations of caste-based politics, stressing that the survey’s purpose is to understand societal dynamics and promote inclusivity.

The Deputy Chief Minister criticised the previous BRS government for alleged financial mismanagement, claiming that Telangana’s economic health deteriorated during its 10-year rule. “Telangana, once free, has been burdened under a mountain of debt,” he asserted.

On national politics, Mr. Vikramarka expressed optimism about Congress’s growing influence, citing recent electoral success in Jharkhand as evidence of public approval for the INDIA alliance. “The BJP’s decline has begun,” he declared, voicing confidence in Congress’s future prospects across the country.

Published - November 27, 2024 05:40 pm IST