Telangana caretaker Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Sunday released the official manifesto of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), days before the state is all scheduled to go for the polls on December 7. The TRS chief released the manifesto at a massive meeting that was organised in Hyderabad's Parade Ground.
24 important points were mentioned in the manifesto. In a major move, the TRS said that it would continue to press and fight for implementation of 33% reservation to BCs and 33% reservation to women in legislatures.
The party also pointed out that the Telangana State Assembly had passed a resolution for provision of 12% reservation to STs and 12% reservation to economically backward Muslims. "For implementing these reservations the state government will continue to fight for their cause with the Centre," the TRS said.
In other announcements, the TRS said that all types of Aasara pensions will be enhanced from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,016 while the pensions of differently abled persons will be enhanced from Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,016.
The TRS also assured voters that the age eligibility for old age pension will be reduced from 65 to 57 years. An unemployment allowance of Rs 3,016 was also promised.
Stating that the 2BHK flagship scheme of the scheme would continue, economically backward people who have their own plot will be provided financial assistance, ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh, the party promised.
Under its Rythu Bandhu scheme, the TRS promised to increase investment support of Rs 8,000 per acre for agriculture to Rs 10,000 per acre. It also assured that loan waiver to farmers up to Rs 1 lakh will be done.
The TRS also assured that it would look into the long-pending demand of categorisation of Scheduled Castes to ensure judicious distribution of reservation among all SC communities.
Corporations for the welfare of communities like Reddys and Vaisyas were part of the manifesto. The TRS also assured voters that corporations for other financially backward communities would be established.
The TRS also promised that large scale health camps would be organised across the state, with diagnostic tests being conducted for the poor at the government's cost. "The health profile of every individual, as well as that of state will be developed," the party said.
"The retirement age of government employees will be enhanced from the present 58 to 61. Parallelly, unemployed youth will be provided with ample opportunities by increasing the recruitment age limit by three more years," the TRS added.
Besides this, the TRS said that steps would be initiated to establish a steel factory in Bayyaram, a demand pending since the state was bifurcated in 2014.
"Land disputes of tribal and non-tribal lands in forest areas will be amicably addressed and ownership rights will be conferred. Disputes with reference to Podu (agriculture) Lands will also be addressed as early as possible. They will be given benefits on par with other farmers," the party stated.
"Efforts are in on to transform Hyderabad as a global city. This will be accelerated with more initiatives," it added.
Speaking at the event on Sunday, KCR appealed to the voters to make an informed decision with 'democratic maturity'. He also highlighted the development activities that he and his party had taken over the last four years of their rule.
He lashed out at TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and accused him of dividing voters on Telangana and Andhra Pradesh roots for political gain, when they were living in harmony in Hyderabad.
He reiterated that the TRS would win at least 100 seats in the 119-seat Legislative Assembly.
The manifesto committee of the party was headed by TRS Parliamentary Party Leader K Keshav Rao. KCR had dissolved the Assembly on September 6, eight months before the completion of the party’s term in May 2019, and chose to opt for early elections.
Telangana goes to polls on December 7, and counting will be done on December 11.
Click here to follow TNM's coverage of the Telangana Assembly Elections 2018.