In an exclusive interview, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy addresses key challenges including state development, farmers’ grievances, unemployment, and law and order. Reddy also shares his insights on navigating the ongoing political crisis, outlining his vision for Telangana’s future and his strategies to resolve pressing state issues.
In an informal meeting, Telangana chief minister described the important and much talked points during his period. Excerpts:
Khabarlive (KL): Good day, Let’s start with your 6-point program, which has been a cornerstone of your administration’s agenda. Could you provide an overview of its current status and the progress made so far?
Revanth Reddy (RR): Thank you for having me. The 6-point program was designed to address key areas crucial for Telangana’s development. We focused on infrastructure development, healthcare, education, agriculture, unemployment, and social welfare. So far, we’ve made significant strides in infrastructure, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, improving connectivity and access to essential services. Our healthcare initiatives have expanded access to quality medical care, with new facilities and telemedicine services being introduced. In education, we’re enhancing digital learning tools and infrastructure to ensure that students across the state receive a quality education.
KL: Infrastructure and healthcare are indeed critical. How have these improvements impacted the daily lives of Telangana’s residents, especially in rural areas?
RR: The impact has been substantial. Better roads and connectivity have not only facilitated smoother transportation but also improved access to markets, which is crucial for our farmers. The healthcare enhancements mean that people in rural areas no longer have to travel long distances for medical care; they can access quality services locally. This has been especially important during the pandemic, where quick access to healthcare was vital.
KL: Speaking of farmers, they are the backbone of our economy. However, they face numerous challenges. Can you elaborate on the steps your administration is taking to address these issues, particularly in light of recent concerns about crop prices and input costs?
RR: Agriculture is indeed a priority for us. We’ve implemented a range of measures to support farmers, including subsidies for seeds and fertilizers, access to affordable credit, and crop insurance schemes. We’re also focused on ensuring that farmers get fair prices for their produce. This includes improving the procurement process and setting up more Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to enhance their bargaining power. Additionally, we’re investing in irrigation projects to ensure water security, which is a critical issue for sustainable agriculture.
KL: Unemployment is another pressing issue, especially among the youth. What strategies is your government employing to create job opportunities and address this challenge?
RR: Unemployment, particularly among the youth, is a major concern. Our strategy includes a multi-pronged approach focusing on education, skill development, and industry partnerships. We’re revamping our education system to align it more closely with market needs, emphasizing vocational training and skill development. We’ve also launched initiatives to promote entrepreneurship, providing young people with the resources and support they need to start their own businesses. Additionally, we’re working to attract more investment into the state, particularly in sectors like IT, manufacturing, and green energy, which have the potential to create a significant number of jobs.
KL: Law and order are crucial for a state’s stability and prosperity. Recently, there have been concerns about increasing crime rates and communal tensions. How is your administration addressing these issues?
RR: Ensuring law and order is a top priority for us. We’ve taken a proactive approach by strengthening our police force, improving their training, and equipping them with modern technology to better handle crime and maintain peace. We’re also focusing on community policing to build trust between the police and the public. In terms of communal tensions, we are committed to maintaining harmony and addressing any issues promptly and fairly. We’ve set up special monitoring cells to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech, which can inflame tensions. Additionally, we’re working closely with community leaders to foster a spirit of unity and cooperation.
KL: Political stability is key to governance. There have been reports of internal party conflicts and opposition challenges. How are you managing these political crises?
RR: Political challenges are part of any democratic setup. It’s important to address them with transparency and dialogue. Within the party, we’re committed to resolving differences through discussions and maintaining a united front. As for opposition challenges, we’re always open to constructive criticism and are willing to engage in debates that benefit the people of Telangana. Our focus remains on governance and delivering on our promises. We’ve set up a grievance redressal mechanism to ensure that any issues raised by the public or opposition are addressed promptly and transparently.
KL: Looking ahead, what are the key priorities for your administration in the coming years?
RR: Our priorities are clear: sustainable development, inclusive growth, and enhanced quality of life for all citizens. We will continue to focus on strengthening our infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems. We’re also committed to empowering women and marginalized communities through targeted welfare programs. Environmental sustainability is another area we’re prioritizing, with initiatives aimed at promoting green energy, waste management, and conservation of natural resources. Lastly, we aim to strengthen our governance systems to be more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.
KL: Your leadership has brought about significant changes in Telangana. How do you view your role in the broader context of Indian politics?
RR: My role, first and foremost, is to serve the people of Telangana to the best of my ability. In the broader context of Indian politics, I see myself as part of a larger movement towards more inclusive and development-focused governance. India is a diverse and dynamic country, and it’s crucial that our political leadership reflects that diversity and is committed to addressing the varied challenges we face. I believe in a collaborative approach, where states learn from each other’s successes and challenges, working together towards a more prosperous and equitable India.
KL: As we conclude, what message would you like to convey to the people of Telangana?
RR: My message to the people of Telangana is one of gratitude and commitment. I am deeply thankful for the trust they have placed in me and my administration. We are committed to working tirelessly to meet their expectations and improve their quality of life. I urge everyone to stay engaged, provide us with feedback, and work with us to build a better future for our state. Together, we can overcome challenges and ensure that Telangana continues to grow and prosper.
KL: Thank you, for this insightful conversation. We wish you and your administration the best in your endeavors for Telangana’s development.
RR: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. #hydkhabar
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