PROCTOR &GAMBLE, NETHERLANDS AND CHINESE DELEGATION MEET CM : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

PROCTOR &GAMBLE, NETHERLANDS

AND CHINESE DELEGATION MEET CM

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

            Managing Director Proctor and Gamble, India AI Rajwani called on the Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao along with his team. He told CM that they would like to establish a Planning Centre in Telangana to cater to the entire South Asia and sought the cooperation of State Government. Rajwani also informed CM that they would like to expand their present unit at Penjarla Village in Kottur mandal of Mahaboobnagar District which is located in an area of 171 acres. The existing unit has 786 employees and they will be increasing the number to 1200 and in this 80% will be only from Telangana. In addition to this, for the Planning Centre they will be recruiting 50 highly skilled persons to begin with and increase to 100 later.

Responding to their request Chief Minister said that Telangana is the best destination for expanding their activities in the country and to make further investments.  CM suggested to them to have a large base in Telangana, where the best of Industrial Policy is in vogue. He told them to grow and make Telangana also to grow. On corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the company, it was suggested that its Managing Director work in the area of KG to PG education. It could be in the area of KG to PG education said CM. The fast-moving consumer goods’ multi-national company Proctor and Gamble is a MNC with operation in 80 Countries and sale of its products in 150 Countries. It has set up its Fabric and Home care, beauty Care, Oral Care, Baby Care and Feminine Care Unit at Penjerla village of Mahaboobnagar district and now in the process of expansion.

            Ambassador of Netherlands Alphonsus stoelinga along with a delegation of twenty members called on Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao after holding discussions with officials of several departments earlier. The Ambassador briefed CM about their meeting with them. He introduced members of his delegation and mentioned that each one of them representing a particular sector specialized in their respective areas. Discussions between the delegation, Ambassador and Chief Minister rotated round areas of mutually beneficial business opportunities, agriculture, green house cultivation, Agriculture University, horticulture university etc. The Ambassador told CM that they are interested in investing in areas of Agriculture, Health care and tourism in Telangana. Members of the delegation are drawn from various specializations like Economics, Agriculture, and Research and so on. Representatives of Philip’s capital told CM that they would make draft proposal  in the area of Health care services in Government Hospitals as desired by CM.

            As a follow-up to Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s visit to China last month, a delegation from that country called on the CM and held discussions on their participation in executing several development projects being planned by the State Government. The delegation comprising executives of several Chinese firms went round some locations where tunnels are being planned as part of lift irrigation projects, bridge planned over the Musi and construction of high-rise towers abutting Hussainsagar Lake before meeting the Chief Minister. They prepared proposals and models on the works likely to be taken up as part of those projects. CCCC Highway Consultancy Company Ltd has come forward to construct a suspension bridge on Durgam Cheruvu tank and the Bank of China has offered to mobilize 85 per cent of the cost for the high-rise towers to be constructed on the banks of Hussainsagar. India Head of Bank of China Qiv Heng Chang, Director of Anju Infrastructure Yogesh Wah, its India Head Manoj Gandhi, CCCC executive Peng Yun Dong, business manager Chang Chun Yman, Beijing ZYTX business manager Wu Hao and executives of Rodic Consultants Zaheer Ahmed and Rajkumar were among the delegation.

CM meets Union Ministers in New Delhi Discusses FRBM, Density of Highways and Dry Port:Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

CM meets Union Ministers in New Delhi

Discusses FRBM, Density of Highways and Dry Port

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao met Union Ministers for Finance and Road Transport, Highways and Shipping on 27^th October 2015 during his visit to New Delhi to attend NITI Ayog meeting. When he met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley CM made a request to him to increase the State’s borrowing limit under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. Chief Minister submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister in support of the demand for increase in the FRBM borrowing limit. CM brought to the notice of Finance Minister about 14^th Finance Commission recommendations mentioning that the states which are showing revenue surplus can be permitted to access market borrowings at 3.5% of the State GDP by raising ceiling of 3% as per FRBM criteria. Accordingly said CM, that, the FRBM limit to Telangana State to be increased to 3.5% as the State satisfies all the criteria laid down by the Finance Commission. Chief Minister’s appeal to Finance Minister is in fact is a reiteration of his earlier request few months ago. The Chief Minister also sought funds for development of backward districts and Centre’s support for welfare and development schemes taken up by the State Government. Union Minister responded positively to the State’s requests. 

Chief Minister in another memorandum brought to the notice of Finance Minister the issue related to Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA). The issue pertains to assessment of Income Tax on the revenues generated by HMDA, which is engaged in activities that directly contribute to Urban Development. CM quoted a letter from him wherein it was stated that the exemption can be granted under Income Tax Act, if the State Authority is not engaged in commercial activities and satisfies the other criteria as laid down. However, said CM that the request of HMDA for being notified under Income Tax Act was routinely rejected on technical grounds by the authorities of Income Tax.

            CM said that Since the HMDA is an autonomous body created especially to plan, promote and execute developmental projects in Urban Agglomeration, the Income derived by it through license fee, developmental charges or other revenue generating activities, often mislabeled as commercial in nature and hence need to be looked into with a fresh perspective. CM further said that Urban Development Bodies should be encouraged to improve resource generation so that the same can be used for rapid urban growth which is essential for the growth of the country. Similarly all the revenue surpluses and income generated by Urban Development Authority are ploughed by into projects which contribute to the spiral of urban growth as per the polices and direction of state government said CM. Against this background CM requested Union Finance Minister to reconsider the whole policy and make provision in the Finance Act 2016 to retrospectively grant exemption from income tax to the Urban Development Authorities.

Arun Jaitley told media persons later that CM’s suggestions and requests has already been forwarded to the Economic Affairs wing of the Ministry for examination.

            In a separate meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Chief Minister submitted seven memorandums pertaining to density of national highways, funds for repairs to urban stretches of national highways, extension of NH 63 to join NH 161, funds for overlay works NH 65 national highway, four laning between Palvancha-Bhadrachalam, extension NH 563 up to Khammam to join NH 365-A and about improvements in NH 44.

Details:

The density of national highways in Telangana State Per hundred square kilometers area is 2.25 as against 3.06 in A.P, 3.28 in Karnataka, 4.66 in Kerala, 3.85 in Tamil Nadu and the national average density of 2.84. CM has requested to upgrade six state highways as national highways in the first phase the total length of which would be 1015 kilometres. They are: 249 KM of Hyderabad-Narsapur-Medak-Yellareddi-Banswada-Bodhan-Basar-Bhainsa connecting NH 61 (old NH 222); 133 KM of Hyderabad-Bijapur road via Moinabad, Chevella, Manneguda, Kodangal up to Karnataka border; 220 KM of Kodad-Miryalaguda-Devarakonda-Kalwakurthi-Jadcherla; 87 KM of Nirmal-Jagityal via Khanapur, Mallapur and Raikal connecting NH 61 (old NH 222) and NH 63(old NH 16); 177 KM of Ashwaraopet-Khammam-Suryapet and 149 KM of Karimnagar-Sircilla-Kamareddy-Yellareddy-Pitlam. CM told Minister that the up-gradation of above state roads as National Highways is as mandated in schedule XIII of AP reorganisation act.

CM told Minister that almost all the National Highways originating from Hyderabad have been improved to four lane standards and are being maintained reasonably well. However, said CM that the National Highway sections in city limits are neglected. Some sections are under the control of NHAI and some are being maintained by state PWD. The cost of improvements is estimated to be about Rs. 150.00 Crore. As part of strategic Road Development Plan, all the state and municipal roads in Hyderabad city are being improved. The National Highway segments in Hyderabad city are also simultaneously to be improved. CM requested Transport Minister to issue necessary instructions to the concerned to sanction additional funds for repairs to urban stretches of National Highways as a special case to ensure smooth flow of traffic in Hyderabad city apart from enhancing the image of Governments.

With regards to extension of NH 63 CM said that about two years back a State Highway connecting Bidar in Karnataka with Nizampet in Telangana (on NH 161) was upgraded as National Highway No. 50 with a view to improve connectivity for the people of Bidar and Medak Districts going to Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. CM said that while the connectivity to Maharashtra is completed as it joins Nanded bound NH 161 at Nizampet, there is a missing link for Chhattisgarh bound traffic between NH 161 and NH 63 (Nizamabad–Jagdalpur Highway). To complete the connectivity to Chhattisgarh, it is proposed to upgrade the state road of about 70 KM length from Madnoor (on NH 161) to Nizamabad (on NH 63) via Rudrur, Kotagiri, Pothangal, Bodhan etc. CM requested to extend NH 63 up to Madnoor to join NH 161 to complete connectivity between Karnataka, Telangana and Chhattisgarh.

Another issue that was discussed was about Hyderabad – Sangareddy section of NH–65 that was developed by a BOT Construction in the year 2008. CM said that from the beginning the maintenance of the highway has been neglected and the overlay work which was due in 2013 was also not taken up. As a result, the condition of the road has deteriorated and the concessionaire issued a termination notice raising dispute over loss of revenue. Pending resolution of dispute with the concessionaire, CM requested to sanction funds for taking up overlay works on this important highway stretch connecting Hyderabad and Pune.

Chief Minister thanked Minister for Transport for sanctioning improvements to Vijayawada (AP border) – Bhadrachalam section of NH 30. CM said that the scope of work in the sanctioned project is 2 Lane with paved shoulders for a length of 60.75 Kilometres and 4 Lane in a length of 33.50 Kilometres. This Highway connects Vijayawada with Bhadrachalam, the famous pilgrim centre and passes through important mineral belt and has industries like NTPC, Navabharat Ferro Alloys, ITC paper mill, Heavy water plant etc on it. This road stretch in view of its heavy traffic requires 4 laning instead of proposed 2 Lane with paved shoulders. CM said that the traffic on this road will be particularly high between Kottagudem and Bhadrachalam as the traffic from Khammam and Rajahmundry also joins at Kottagudem. In the ongoing project already four laning is proposed for 25 km, leaving a balance length of 17.60 km. A second two lane bridge across Godavari at Bhadrachalam is also under construction. If four laning is considered in the balance length between Palvancha and Bhadrachalam, there will be smooth flow of traffic to Bhadrachalam said CM. CM told Minister that land is totally available and there is no problem of Forest land or utility shifting and hence it is desirable to take up four laning once for all instead of two laning with paved shoulder first and then four laning at a later date, which results in wasteful expenditure apart from causing inconvenience to traffic. CM requested for sanction accordingly.

Chief Minister also brought to the notice of Minister that the Government of India declared new National Highway 563 in the State of Telangana. He said that it was mentioned in the Gazette as “National Highway starting near Mancherial on NH 63 connecting Karimnagar and terminating at NH 163 near Warangal”. There are two routes from Mancherial to Warangal, one route via Jagityal and Karimnagar and the other directly via Karimnagar. Out of this, the road from Mancherial to Jagityal which is about 70 KM is already part of NH 63 (old NH 16) and the road from Mancherial to Karimnagar is a State Highway developed to four lanes under PPP. As such the NH 563 as taken over by NH wing starts at Jagityal and terminates at Warangal connecting Karimnagar en route. Detailing this CM requested to consider extension of NH 563 up to Khammam to join NH 365-A which facilitates connecting three important District Head quarters Karimnagar, Warangal and Khammam in Telangana state duly utilizing the leftover length from Mancherial to Jagityal. CM said that this will help in establishing connectivity to the industrial belt of Maharashtra with the mineral belt of Telangana State and several ports in Andhra Pradesh.

Last issue CM discussed with Minister is about improvements to be taken up to NH 44 from Aramgarh junction to Shamshabad International Airport on southern side of Hyderabad city. This stretch is under the control of NHAI now. CM said that this is an important road segment as all airport bound traffic and VVIP movement takes place on this 10 km long corridor. Considering the above problems, it was already requested to six lanes the above corridor with two lane service road along the entire stretch. It was also requested for providing a fly over at Shamshabad and a Vehicular under pass (VUP) at Gaganpahad. He said that similarly on northern side of Hyderabad, the stretch of NH 44 from Bowinpally to Kompally is in bad shape. CM requested that the balance service roads, over lay works and safety arrangements to be taken up for ensuring free flow of traffic.

The Union Minister responded positively to these requests and also for development of dry port and inland waterways in Telangana.

On the following day CM met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Rashtrapati Pranab Mukherjee . End

28-10-2015

Why so much hatred towards Brahmin community? : Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

Why so much hatred towards Brahmin community?

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao
Metro India (02-11-2015)

In this 21^st century, science has developed so extensively but still we are left with few unanswered questions. Why scientists have failed to find out the grass roots of human beings. Well, from the beginning few norms, rules, procedures, good and bad had happened for obvious reasons and still we as humans are following them. And it is not good to pull the illogical stuff from the practices that are inherited since ages.

The only thing that matters here is Dharma and how it should be guarded for the future generation is something we should look for. Rather than assessing whether Ramayana is of course or mere myth, we should learn about the Dharma and its anti from the epic. Nowhere in the epic was it mentioned that certain caste is a higher one as many personalities represented their respective communities.

Meanwhile in the recent times it has become a habit to blame the Brahmin community for no reasons. Ramayana has reasonable cause and people who do not notice this pictured it as an “Arya Brahmins Immoral Dharma.”  It is an insult to Brahmins for backing Dasarathi like how Lord Rama was evoked as unrighteous person. There are rumors that Brahmins brought the culture of making others touch their feet. We bow down before people respecting their wisdom, eldership and this is practice that is part of our Indian culture. Also this practice improves the bonding, respect and harmony in the society. It is written in the Manu Law that if we touch the feet of elderly persons their blessing would help us to grow into a well-mannered person.  Ignoring these facts, this practice is being claimed as something that Brahmins have brought to show their domination in the society.

Many, who knew nothing about Brahmins and its rich history, are making awful remarks on the community and treating them as second grade citizens. When Valmiki was penning Ramayana, we had Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shoodra in exercise. Though everyone is born as Shoodras, depending upon their lifestyle and habits, people were classified. And people who gained knowledge first were called as Brahmins. This was explained by none other than Sankaracharya. In this fast moving world, we have divided our work into various categories and hiring people based on the profile and this classification has no limit. This system is prevailing from the ancient times and countries like Egypt, Babylonia and China adopted this culture. Accordingly people were divided as Priests, Rulers and salves. Even ancient Iran’s ‘Pistri’ has four races.

Now the word ‘Caste’ is something we need to debate. Community and race are completely different from each other. It is not proper to treat a community with high regards or ill-mannered, if we belong to a particular caste. Brahmins were assigned the task of increasing the divine thought in the society and they were successful in their task. A clarification is needed here that, Brahmins are not responsible for the caste system nor they did encourage it. The society for its convenience sake, divided them based on the profession or occupation they selected.

The word ‘Brahman’ also means Yagna and people who perform this ritual were called Brahmins. Practices such as learning, teaching others, performing Yagnams, contribute and donate are things that Brahmins do on regular basis.  In the ancient times, every village used to have at least one Brahmin so that they would govern the happenings in the village. Such was the system then and today we are calling it as ‘Gram Panchayat.’ Brahmins were described as a combination of Aryas and tribals and they preserved ancient texts and its value is incomprehensible.

However, days gone when Brahmin led a respectable life in the society and there is a huge outrage over the community. It all started with the British rule who noticed the role played by the Brahmin community in keeping the people united. So they have introduced the ‘Divide and Rule’ policy which is prevailing even now. It is no exaggeration that only Brahmin can perform rituals like Karma but over the years, the benefits to the community are getting reduced. Brahmins just did not stuck to religious stuff they have evolved to solve the secular affairs too for peace and harmony. According to the Hindu Law, the first duty of Brahmin community is protect the society while constantly preaching and work for the upliftment of society. They should also master the Vedas and have a clear idea about Bhagavad Gita and related epics.

Under the British’s dominance in the country, at one point of time, Brahmins reached a level where they led the national movement and after the Independence, the Congress party which was in power for decades, Brahmins enjoyed many vital roles and key positions in the government. However, people who could not digest the growth of Brahmin community started agitating against the community. Especially down the South of the country, many agitations were reported against Brahmins. These agitations were only confined to limit the role of Brahmin community in the governmental and non-governmental affairs but the role of Vedic scholar and related roles did not have much impact. And gradually Brahmins were restricted to only performing rituals and other religious stuff. This led to decline of Brahmins politically, socially and financially. Attempts were also made to destabilize the entire community of Brahmins.

In the Independent India, like never before Brahmins have become a target by all. The dominance of Caste has rapidly increased and without the reference of caste, Political, social, religious, cultural affairs are not being looked into. The hatred towards Brahmin got converted into caste fight and people are openly abusing the other castes’. As a result Brahmin community became very weak in the society and the opportunities’ to them have declined.

The entire Brahmin community is now suffering although every citizen in the country has equal rights as per the Indian constitution. End

బ్రాహ్మణులంటే ఎందుకింత ద్వేషం? : వనం జ్వాలా నరసింహారావు

బ్రాహ్మణులంటే ఎందుకింత ద్వేషం?

వనం జ్వాలా నరసింహారావు

నవ తెలంగాణ దినపత్రిక (26-10-2015)

          నవ తెలంగాణ పత్రిక "వేదిక" లో, రామాయణంపై నేను ఇంతవరకూ రాసిన వ్యాసాలకు సరైన అర్థం చెప్పలేక విపరీతార్థాలతో, వక్ర భాష్యంతో, తోకలు-తొండాలంటూ వివేచనా రహితంగా మాట్లాడటం సంస్కారం కాదు. ఆ విధంగా స్పందించటం కూడా నాకు చేతకాదు....అది నా సంస్కారమూ కాదు. ఇంతవరకూ నేను రాసినా వ్యాసాలలో ఇతరులను ప్రత్యక్షంగా కాని, పరోక్షంగా కాని చెడు భావనతో ఒక్క విమర్శ కూడా చేయలేదు. ఏది ఆర్య ధర్మమో, ఏది కాదో నిర్ణయించే గొప్పవాళ్లం మనం ఔనో కాదో, మనకా అర్హత ఎంతవరకుందో ఆలోచించు కోవడం మంచిదేమో! ఉదాహరణకు సృష్టి రహస్యం పరిపూర్ణంగా సమగ్రంగా విప్పగలవారెవరైనా వున్నారా? పోనీ తమకు తెలుసని ఇంతవరకు ఎవరైనా అనగలిగారా? సైన్స్ ఎంతగానో అభివృద్ధి చెందింది కదా? ఐనప్పటికీ రోబోట్ లను తయారు చేయగలిగారే కాని మానవ శరీర నిర్మాణానికి అసలు సిసలు నమూనా ఎవరైనా చేయగలిగారా? టెస్ట్ ట్యూబ్ బేబిని పుట్టించగలిగారు కాని, మానవ వీర్యం, అండం కలయిక లేకుండా దానిని సాధించగలిగారా? నేను చెప్పదల్చుకున్నది ఒక్కటే...సృష్టి ఆదినుంచీ కొన్ని నియమాలు, నిబంధనలు, పద్ధతులు, ఆచరణలు, మంచీ-చెడులు...ఇలా ఎన్నో సాంప్రదాయాలు చోటుచేసుకుంటూ వస్తున్నాయి. వాటిలోంచి ఈకకు ఈక, తోకకు తోకా లాగి, పాండిత్య ప్రదర్శన చేసి, సనాతన పద్ధతులను, సంస్కృతీ సంప్రదాయాలను, ఈసడించడం సమంజసం కాదేమో ఆలోచించు కోవడం మంచిది. ఇక్కడ రాముడు, రావణుడు, లేదా మరొకరు బ్రాహ్మణులా, క్షత్రియులా, శూద్రులా మరొకరా అనేది కాదు సమస్య. ఎవరెవరు ఎటువంటి ధర్మాలను ఆచరించారనేదే ప్రధానం. వాటిని భావితరాల వారు ఎలా అర్థం చేసుకోవాలనేది ముఖ్యం. రామాయణం నిజమా, పుక్కిటి పురాణమా అని వాదించే కన్న అందులోని ధర్మాలను, అధర్మాలను అవగాహన చేసుకోవడం కూడా ముఖ్యం. రామాయణంలో ఎక్కడా ఫలానా కులం వారే అధికులని చెప్పబడలేదు. ఎన్నో పాత్రల ద్వారా ఎన్నో ధర్మాలను వివరించడం జరిగింది.

          ఇదిలా వుండగా, ఇటీవల కాలంలో ఐన దానికీ-కాని దానికీ బ్రాహ్మణులను ఆడిపోసుకోవడం ఒక పరిపాటి అయింది కొందరికి. రామాయణంలో అశ్వమేధ యాగానికి ఒక సందర్భం, సహేతుకమైన కారణం వుంది. అది గమనించకుండా ఆ సంఘటనను "ఆర్య బ్రాహ్మణుల అ నైతిక ధర్మం” గా అభివర్ణించడం దురదృష్టం. సత్యకామ జాబాలిని వెనకేసుకొచ్చి రాముడిని అధర్మ పరుడిని చేయడం, దశరథుడిని వెనకేసుకొచ్చి బ్రాహ్మణులను అవమానకరంగా చిత్రీకరించడం, వాళ్లకు వ్యవసాయం చేయడం ఇష్టం లేదని ఆరోపణ చేయడం తప్పు. కాళ్లు మొక్కడం తప్పని మరో వాదన లేవదీస్తున్నారు. పాదాభివందనం చేయడం అనేది ఎదుటి వ్యక్తుల వయస్సు, జ్ఞానం, పెద్దరికం, దైవత్వాలకు ఇచ్చే గౌరవం. వారి నిస్వార్థపూరిత ప్రేమ, సమాజం కోసం చేసే త్యాగాలకు గుర్తుగా ఈ పాదాభివందనాన్ని చేస్తాం. ఇలా పాదాభివందనాలను నిత్యం కానీ, లేదా ముఖ్యమైన కొన్ని సందర్భాలలో చేయడం కానీ భారతీయ సంస్కృతి-సంప్రదాయం. కుటుంబంలో, సమాజంలో ప్రజల మధ్య సామరస్యాన్ని, పరస్పర ప్రేమ, గౌరవాలతో కూడిన వాతావరణాన్ని ఈ సంప్రదాయం సృష్టించగలదని గుర్తించాలి. జ్ఞాన వృద్ధులైన వారి పాదాలకు చేసే నమస్కారమే పాదాభివందనం. వయస్సుచే కాని, విద్యచేత కాని అధికు లైనవారికి ఎదురుగా వెళ్లి నమస్కరిస్తే, వారికి ఆయువు, విద్య, కీర్తి, బలం, వృద్ధి లభిస్తాయని మను ధర్మశాస్త్రంలో ఉంది.

ఇవన్నీ పక్కన పెట్టి మొత్తం వ్యవహారాన్ని బ్రాహ్మణ్యంతో, బ్రాహ్మణ కులంతో ముడిపెట్టి విమర్శలు చేయడం తగని పని. "వ్యాసకర్త పూర్వీకులు" అంటూ బ్రాహ్మణులను పరోక్షంగా నిందించడం కూడా సరైంది కాదు. అలానే "బ్రాహ్మణాధిక్యత" అనే పదాలను కూడా తరచూ వాడడం మంచిది కాదు. రావణుడి కుల నిర్ణయానికి పని కొచ్చే బ్రాహ్మణ శాస్త్రాలు, బ్రాహ్మణ్యం మిగిలిన విషయాలకు ఎందుకు పనికి రాదో అర్థంకాదు.

          బ్రాహ్మణ ఔన్నత్యాన్నీ, బ్రాహ్మణ మూల విశేషాలను, ఏ మాత్రం తెలియని అనేకమంది తమ నోటికొచ్చినట్లు బ్రాహ్మణులను చిన్న చూపు చూస్తూ మాట్లాడడం సమంజసం కాదు. వాల్మీకి రామాయణం రాసే కాలంలో బ్రాహ్మణ, క్షత్రియ, వైశ్య, శూద్ర అనే నాలుగు వర్ణాలు వాడుకలో వున్నాయి. ఐతే, పుట్టుకతో అందరూ శూద్రులే ఐనప్పటికీ, తమ తమ విధి నిర్వహణ సంస్కారాలను బట్టి, బ్రహ్మ జ్ఞానం సంతరించుకున్న తదుపరి, బ్రాహ్మణులుగా అవుతారని శంకరాచార్యులవారు వివరించారు. ఆయన చెప్పిన దాని ప్రకారం ద్విజులని, విప్రులని, బ్రాహ్మణులని మూడు విడి-విడి పదాలున్నాయి. వీటి అర్థం ఒకటే ఐనా, కొంత వ్యత్యాసం వుంది. లోతుగా పోతే, బ్రాహ్మణులని పిలిపించుకోవాలంటే, బ్రహ్మ జ్ఞానాన్ని పొందడం తప్పని సరి. సమాజం అభివృద్ధి చెందిన నేడు కూడా, సామాజిక అవసరాల దృష్ట్యా, నాలుగు కాదు-నలబై తరగతులుగా మనమందరం మనమన విధులను నిర్వహించడం లేదా? ఇలాంటి వ్యవస్థ ప్రాచీన కాలం నాటి ఈజిప్ట్, బాబిలోనియాలతో సహా, చైనా దేశంలోనూ వుండేదట. అక్కడి వాడుక ప్రకారం వారిని పూజారులుగా, పాలకులుగా, వృత్తి దారులుగా, బానిసలుగా విభజించారు. అలానే ప్రాచీన ఇరాన్‌లో "పిస్త్రీ" అనే నాలుగు వర్ణాలుండేవి.  

ప్రపంచ వ్యాప్తంగా ప్రజాస్వామ్య వ్యవస్థ అమల్లో వున్న వర్తమాన కాలంలో కూడా మనిషికి-మనిషికి మధ్య వ్యత్యాసాలు కొన్ని విషయాలలో లేవా? ప్రభుత్వ ప్రయివేట్ సర్వీసులలో ఒకటవ తరగతి, రెండవ తరగతి....మూడు, నాలుగు తరగతుల ఉద్యోగులని విభజన లేదా? ఐఏఎస్ అధికారికీ, అటెండర్ కూ రాజ్యాంగ పరంగా ఒకే రకమైన హక్కులిచ్చినప్పటికీ, వారిరువిరికీ మధ్య వ్యత్యాసాలు లేవా? ఇంజనీరునూ, డాక్టరునూ, గుమాస్తాను, దినసరి కూలీని, ఒకే రకంగా అన్ని విషయాలలోనూ చూస్తున్నామా? దీనికి కారణం, ఇప్పటి మూలాలు ఆర్థికమైనవైతే, ఆ నాటి కాలంలో మూలాలు మరో రకంగా వున్నాయి. దేశ కాలమాన పరిస్థితులకనుగుణంగా మార్పులు చోటు చేసుకుంటున్నాయి. ఆ మార్పులో మంచి వుందీ, చెడు వుంది. కమ్యూనిజం వచ్చిన చైనా, రష్యా దేశాలలో కూడా ఈ తేడాలున్నాయి. ఇక "కులం" అంటే ఏమిటో చూద్దాం. ఒక అర్థం ప్రకారం కులమంటే "నివాసం". వర్ణాలు వేరు, జాతులు వేరు. వర్ణం అనే మాట "వర్గం" ను సూచిస్తే, జాతి అనేది "కులం" ను సూచిస్తుంది. ఇంగ్లీష్ లో చెప్పుకోవాలంటే "క్లాస్", "కాస్ట్" అన్న మాట. జాతులు పెరుగుతూ తరుగుతూ వస్తున్నప్పటికీ, వర్ణాలు మాత్రం నాలుగు గానే వుండిపోయాయి. ఏదేమైనప్పటికీ, చాతుర్వర్ణ వ్యవస్థను ఎవరు-ఎప్పుడు సృష్టించినప్పటికీ, అది ఎలా రూపాంతరం చెందినప్పటికీ, అది ఒక సామాజిక అవసరాన్ని, బాధ్యతను నిర్వహించింది. అందువల్ల ఎవరు కూడా తాము ఫలానా కులంలో పుట్టామని బాధ పడాల్సిన అవసరం లేదు. గర్వ పడాల్సిన అవసరమూ లేదు. ఒక కులంలో పుట్టినందుకు వేరే కులం వారిని తక్కువగా కాని, ఎక్కువగా కాని చూడాల్సిన అవసరమూ లేదు. బ్రాహ్మణుల విషయానికొస్తే, వారు సమాజంలో దైవ చింతనను పెంచాలని, సమాజ హితం కోరే "పురోహితులు” గా వుండాలనీ, ఒకనాటి వ్యవస్థ నిర్దేశించింది. సమాజం వారికి అప్పగించిన బాధ్యతను బ్రాహ్మణులు సక్రమంగా నిర్వహించారు కూడా. బ్రాహ్మణులు కులవ్యవస్థకు కారకులు కాదు. వారు కుల వ్యవస్థను పెంచి పోషించిందీ లేదు. సమాజం అవసరాల నేపధ్యంలో అదే సమాజం సృష్టించుకున్నవే ఇవన్నీ.

"బ్రాహ్మణులు" అనే మాట "బ్రహ్మన్" అనే పదం నుంచి వచ్చింది. బ్రహ్మన్ అంటే "యజ్ఞం" అనే అర్థం కూడా వుంది. అంటే యజ్ఞాలు చేసే వారు బ్రాహ్మణులని చెప్పుకోవచ్చు. జన్మించిన తదుపరి, జాతి, కులం, వృత్తి, స్వాధ్యాయం, జ్ఞానాల వల్ల బ్రాహ్మణుడిగా పిలువబడతాడు. తాను నిరంతరం చదువుకుంటూ వుండడం, శిష్యులకు బోధించడం, యజ్ఞాలు చేయడం, యజమానులతో చేయించడం, దానాలు ఇవ్వడం-తీసుకోవడం బ్రాహ్మణులు చేయాల్సిన పని. బ్రాహ్మణులు పాలన, మంత్రాంగం, పురహితాల వైపు దృష్టి మరల్చారు. బ్రాహ్మణులకు అనాది నుంచీ, సమాజంలోని ఇతరుల నుంచి ఎంతో గౌరవ ప్రపత్తులు లభించేవి. ప్రతి గ్రామంలోనూ ఆ గ్రామ పరిపాలన, సంక్షేమ కార్యక్రమాల పర్యవేక్షణ కొరకు పనిచేసే "పంచ ప్రధానుల" లో కనీసం ఒకరిద్దరు బ్రాహ్మణులుండేవారు. అదే నేటి గ్రామ పంచాయతీ వ్యవస్థ ఐంది. సుమతి శతకం ప్రకారం, ఒక ప్రదేశం గ్రామం అనిపించుకోవాలంటే, దానికి వుండాల్సిన ప్రాధమిక లక్ష్యాలలో వూళ్లో బ్రాహ్మణుడు వుండడం కూడా ఒకటి. సమాజాన్ని మార్క్సిస్టు కోణంలో నిశితంగా పరిశీలన చేసిన చరిత్రకారుడు కోశాంబి తన గ్రంధంలో, బ్రాహ్మణులు సమాజానికి చేసిన సేవకు గుర్తింపుగా గొప్ప యోగ్యతా పత్రం ఇచ్చారు. ఆర్య, ఆదిమ వాసుల పునఃకలయికవల్ల ఏర్పడిన కులంగా బ్రాహ్మణులను అభివర్ణించి, ప్రాచీన పవిత్ర గ్రంథాలలో లభ్యమైన వాటిని భద్ర పరిచింది వారేనని, దాని విలువ అపారమని పేర్కొన్నారు. ఇలాంటి నేపధ్యంలో తమ బ్రతుకేదో తాము బ్రతుకుతున్న బ్రాహ్మణులను చీటికి-మాటికీ వేలెత్తి చూపుతూ, వారేదో తప్పు చేశారని చరిత్ర వక్రీకరించి మాట్లాడడం ఎంతవరకు సబబు?

ఒక నాడు సమాజాన్ని ఐక్యంగా వుంచడానికి తమ శాయశక్తులా కృషిచేసిన బ్రాహ్మణుల పరిస్థితి గతులు రోజు-రోజుకూ క్షీణించి పోతున్నాయి. బ్రాహ్మణ వ్యతిరేకత, బ్రిటీష్ ప్రభుత్వ హయాంలో బలపడి, స్వతంత్ర భారత దేశంలో పతాక దశకు చేరుకుంది. దశాబ్దం క్రితం మండల కమీషన్ నివేదికతో ఆ వ్యతిరేకత వేళ్లూనుకుని పోయింది. బ్రిటీష్ పాలనలో బ్రాహ్మణులను ఇబ్బందులకు గురిచేయడం యాధృఛ్చికంగా జరిగిందేమీకాదు. సామాజిక వ్యవస్థలో బ్రాహ్మణుల పాత్ర ఎంత ప్రాముఖ్యమైందో బ్రిటీష్ వారికి మొదట్లోనే అవగతమైంది. పవిత్రమైన సాంస్కృతిక-సాంప్రదాయక బవబంధాల నేపధ్యంలో దేశ ప్రజలను ఐక్యంగా-సమైక్యంగా మలచడంలో కీలక పాత్ర పోషిస్తున్న బ్రాహ్మణులను కట్టడి చేయాలన్న ఆలోచన ఆంగ్లేయులకు కలగడం సహజం. విభజించి పాలించు అనే సంస్కృతిని అనుసరించే బ్రిటీష్ ప్రభుత్వం, భారత సమాజాన్ని విడదీయాలంటే, మొదలు బ్రాహ్మణులను దెబ్బ తీయాలని భావించింది. అలనాడు ఆ ప్రభుత్వం అనుసరించిన విధానాన్నే స్వతంత్ర భారత దేశంలో మండల్ కమీషన్ అనుసరించింది. చదువుకున్న బ్రాహ్మణుల మూలాన, భారతదేశంలో తమ గుత్తాధిపత్యానికి ప్రమాదం వుందని భావించింది బ్రిటీష్ ప్రభుత్వం. జాతీయోద్యమంలో పెద్ద ఎత్తున బ్రాహ్మణులు పాల్గొనడమే కాకుండా నాయకత్వం వహించడం వారి అనుమానాన్ని మరింత ధృఢ పరిచింది.

అనాదిగా వస్తున్న సాంప్రదాయాలకు అనుగుణంగా, బ్రాహ్మణులకు ఇప్పటికీ గౌరవం లభిస్తున్నప్పటికీ, అప్పట్లో వారికి దక్కిన హక్కుల విషయంలో మాత్రం అడుగడుగునా కోతలు ఎప్పటి నుంచో మొదలైంది. ఇతర కులాల వారు, వర్ణాల వారూ చేయలేని కనీసం కొన్ని పనులను, వైదిక కర్మ కాండలను చేయగల సామర్థ్యం చాలావరకు ఒక్క బ్రాహ్మణులకే నేటికీ వుందనడంలో అతిశయోక్తి లేదు. కాలానుగుణంగా వస్తున్న మార్పులలో ఇతర వర్ణాల వారు, కులాల వారు, జ్ఞాన సముపార్జన విషయంలో వీరితో పోటీ పడి నెగ్గుకొస్తున్నప్పటికీ, సాంప్రదాయిక వైదిక విద్యా సముపార్జన మాత్రం ఇంకా వీరి అధీనంలోనే చాలా వరకు వుందనాలి. వాళ్లకు సంఘంలో వున్న గౌరవం వల్లనైతేనేమి, సాంప్రదాయకంగా వారికి లభిస్తున్న విద్య వల్ల నైతేనేమి, బ్రాహ్మణులు మత పరమైన వ్యవహారాలనే కాకుండా లౌకిక వ్యవహారాలను కూడా చక్కదిద్దే స్థాయికి ఎదిగారు. హిందూ ధర్మ శాస్త్రాల ప్రకారం బ్రాహ్మణుల ప్రధాన కర్తవ్యం సమాజోన్నతికి పాటు పడటం. నిరంతరం జ్ఞానార్జన చేస్తూ, వేదాలలో ప్రావీణ్యం కల వారై, సత్యనిరతిని, ధర్మ వర్తనను సమాజానికి బోధిస్తూ సమాజ అభ్యున్నతికి పాటుపడాలి. దైవ విశ్వాసాన్ని, భక్తిని పెంపొందించి సమాజాన్ని ఉత్తమ మార్గంలో నడపడం వలన వారికి సమాజంలో సముచిత గౌరవం లభిస్తోంది. వారు వేదాలు, ఉపనిషత్తులు, భగవద్గీత వంటి వేద-పౌరాణిక ఆధ్యాత్మిక సంబంధ విషయాలపై చక్కటి అవగాహన కలిగి ఉంటారు.

ఆంగ్లేయుల పాలనలో, బ్రాహ్మణులు, జాతీయోద్యమంలో కీలక నాయకత్వం చేపట్టడం దాకా పోయింది. భారత దేశానికి స్వాతంత్ర్యం లభించిన తరువాత చాలా రోజుల వరకు అధికారంలో వున్న భారత జాతీయ కాంగ్రెస్  పార్టీలో కీలక పదవులు పొందడంలోను, కేంద్ర ప్రభుత్వంలో ప్రధాన భూమిక పోషించడంలోను బ్రాహ్మణులే ముందుండే వారు. వీరి ఈ ఎదుగుదలను సహించలేని కొన్ని రాష్ట్రాలలో-ముఖ్యంగా దక్షిణాదిలో, బ్రాహ్మణ వ్యతిరేక ఉద్యమాలు మొదలయ్యాయి. ఆ ఉద్యమాల ప్రభావం వారి హక్కులను హరించడం వరకే పరిమితమైనాయి తప్ప, పూజారులుగా, అర్చకులుగా, వేద పండితులుగా, కర్మకాండలు నిర్వహించే వారిగా, సంబంధిత కార్యక్రమాల నిర్వాహకులుగా కొనసాగే విషయంలో పెద్ద నష్టం జరగలేదు. వివాహాలలో, అంత్యక్రియలలో, ఇతర పూజా పునస్కారాలలో వారు లేకుండా వ్యవహారం నడవడం కష్టమే ఇప్పటికీ. క్రమేపీ, వీటికే పరిమితమై పోవడంతో, గతంలో మాదిరి రాజకీయంగా కాని, సామాజికంగా కాని, ఆర్థికంగా కాని ఎదుగుదలకు నోచుకోలేక, బీదరికంలోకి అడుగు పెట్టాల్సిన పరిస్థితి ఎదురైంది చాలామందికి. భారత దేశ చరిత్రను తిరగ రాసే ప్రయత్నంలో, బ్రాహ్మణులను, ఇతర వర్ణాల వారికి వ్యతిరేకులుగా, పీడించే వారిగా, దుర్మార్గులుగా చిత్రించే ప్రయత్నం కూడా చేసింది. భారత సమాజాన్ని అభివృద్ది పరచడంలో బ్రాహ్మణులు వహించిన పాత్రను తక్కువ చేసి చూపడం జరిగింది.

సమాజాన్ని ఐక్యంగా, సమైక్యంగా వుంచడానికి బ్రాహ్మణులు అనాదిగా చేసుకుంటూ వస్తున్న అవిరళ కృషిని, మరుగుపర్చి, బ్రాహ్మణ వ్యతిరేకతను ప్రోత్సహించింది నాటి బ్రిటీష్ ప్రభుత్వం. ఆ వ్యతిరేకతే దరిమిలా కొనసాగి, అరవై ఏళ్ల స్వతంత్ర భారత చరిత్రలో మరింత బలపడి, చరిత్రలో కనీ-వినీ ఎరుగని రీతిలో, బ్రాహ్మణులను అణగ దొక్కే స్థాయికి తీసుకుపోయింది. వాస్తవానికి శతాబ్దాల కాలంగా బ్రాహ్మణ, బ్రాహ్మణే తరులు కలిమిడిగా, అభివృద్ధి చేసిన సామాజిక, రాజకీయ ముఖ చిత్రం మారిపోయింది. ఒకరిని మరొకరు దూషించుకునే స్థితికి చేరుకుందిప్పుడు. ఈ మార్పుల వల్ల వర్ణాశ్రమ ధర్మాలకు బదులుగా కులాల ప్రాధాన్యత వచ్చింది. రాజకీయ, సామాజిక, మతపర, సాంస్కృతిక వ్యవహారాలలో కులాల ప్రస్తావన లేకుండా ఏదీ జరగలేని స్థితికి చేరుకున్నాం. బ్రాహ్మణ వ్యతిరేకత చివరకు కులాల వ్యతిరేకతకు దారితీసింది. ఒక కులం వారు, మరో కులాన్ని దూషించే పరిస్థితులొచ్చాయి. అగ్ర కులాలని, వెనుకబడిన కులాలని, దళితులని బేధాలొచ్చాయి. బ్రాహ్మణ ద్వేషం బాగా ప్రబలిపోయింది. చివరకు జరిగిందేంటి? ఆర్థికంగా బ్రాహ్మణులు బాగా చితికి పోయారు. రోజు గడవడం కష్టమైంది. ఒక నాటి పౌరోహిత్యం, పూజారి జీవితం, ఆయుర్వేద వైద్యం బ్రాహ్మణుల బ్రతుకు తెరువుగా కొనసాగడం కష్టమై పోయింది.

ఎప్పుడో, వేల ఏళ్ల క్రితం, అప్పటి బ్రాహ్మణులు ఏదో చేశారన్న నెపంతో, ఈ తరం బ్రాహ్మణులను ఇలా ఇబ్బందులకు గురి చేయడం భావ్యమా? దోపిడీ చేసిన వారు, దోపిడీకి గురైన వారు అంతరించి పోయారు. ఇప్పుడున్నది సమ సమాజం. అందరూ భారత రాజ్యాంగ కింద సమాన హక్కులు కలవారే అంటున్నాం. అలాంటప్పుడు, సమాజంలోని ఒక వర్గం వారిని బ్రాహ్మణులన్న కారణాన చిన్న చూపు చూడడం సమంజసమా? End 

WELFARE MEASURES OF GOVERNMENT OF TELANGANA

WELFARE MEASURES OF 

GOVERNMENT OF TELANGANA

(Source: CM speaks in Assembly)

In Telangana State majority of people belong to weaker and downtrodden sections. 85% of the population comprise of Scheduled castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and Minorities. Government has initiated a variety of welfare measures for the benefit of these vulnerable sections of the society. In the erstwhile united AP state budget allocation for welfare measures was very little and absolutely inadequate. Against this background as against an allocation of a meager Rs. 8 Crores for welfare measures in the united AP, the Telangana Government now has allocated a huge amount of Rs. 34 Crores. For SC and ST categories in the ratio of their population funds are being released and spent. Care has been taken for non-diversion of funds allocated for them. Welfare programs for all sections of the society in the State of Telangana are the most important priority of the State. 

A number of welfare departments such as SC Welfare, ST Welfare, BC Welfare, Women Welfare and the Disabled Welfare Department implement welfare Schemes.  The State has launched a number of novel schemes to achieve this goal.

To mention few of the welfare measures: land purchase scheme for distribution to Dalits as part of giving the 3 acres; formation of two committees to study conditions of STs and Minorities and based on its report to initiate some more welfare measures for their development; pensions to old age people, widows, handicapped, Beedi workers, toddy tappers, poor artists and so on. As many as 36 lakhs under different categories are receiving pensions ranging from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500. In addition, with an objective to ensure stomach full meal to each and every poor family, rice is being supplied at Rs. One a Kilogram and towards this, for each member irrespective of the number, six kilograms of rice per head is also being supplied at that cost.

Income limit for eligibility of obtaining benefit has been raised to Rs. 1. 5 Lakhs (from Rs. 60, 000) in rural areas and to Rs. 2 Lakhs (from Rs. 75, 000) in urban areas. This makes many come under BPL. Welfare measures largely benefit lower income employees like Anganwadi workers also. This will enable a large number of beneficiaries to access the government scheme.  The income criterion is for all the schemes of the Government.

To go into details of allocations in the 2015-2016 budgets for welfare measures: for SC development an amount of Rs. 8089 Crores, for ST welfare Rs. 5036 Crores, for Minority welfare Rs. 1105 Crores, for BC welfare Rs. 2172 Crores, for civil supplies Rs. 7390 Crores, for labor welfare Rs. Rs. 24 Crores, for transport department Rs. 133 Crores, for Aasara pensions Rs. 3943 Crores, for women and child welfare Rs. 2037 Crores and for weaker sections housing Rs. 4057 Crores. Total allocation for welfare measures amounts to Rs. 33, 986 Crores in 2015-2016 budgets.

DETAILS:

Today’s child is tomorrow’s citizen…and…future generations need to prosper come what may. They are to be healthy and to study well and progress well. With this objective hostel children are being provided with fine rice with unlimited food. Adequate budgetary provision is made for women and child welfare. Lactating and pregnant women are provided with better meal with egg as well as milk. For cooking efforts are being made to make Telangana State a kerosene free one with supply of gas connections to as many as possible. Aiming at dignity of living two bed room housing scheme has been introduced and launched. Kalyanalaxmi and Shadimubarak Schemes are introduced by way of financial assistance to girls at the time of marriage with an amount of Rs. 51, 000. Government is committed for the welfare of poor and deserved. Similarly welfare of Journalists, Advocates, Home Guards, Auto drivers, tax exemption for agriculture purpose tractors, orphan children, economic support scheme, interest free loans for DWKRA groups, salary hike for Government employees, RTC employees etc.

All eligible agricultural landless poor SCs are being provided three acres of land per household.  Where households have less than three acres such extent so as to top up land to make it to 3.00 acres is provided through the land purchase scheme.  The maximum cost per acre is fixed at Rs. 7.00 Lakh per acre. 

With a view to enable poor girls in their marriage expenses, the government has announced a scheme of Kalyana Lakshmi for SC and ST and Shadi Mubarak scheme for the minority community.  Under the scheme all eligible girls from SC, ST and Minorities who are to get married are provided an amount of Rs. 51,000/- before marriage.  The amount is remitted in to the bank account of the girl.

With a view to help the youth through Self Employment schemes with the bank linkage, the Government has announced a new policy of subsidy, wherein the subsidy has been made substantial and attractive for all categories of finance.  In the past the maximum subsidy given under economic support scheme was only Rs. 30,000/- this has been raised with a minimum of Rs. 80,000/- for a unit cost of Rs. 1.00 Lakh; Rs. 1,20,000/- for a unit cost of Rs. 2.00 lakhs and Rs. 2,50,000 for unit cost of Rs. 5.00 Lakh and above. This will enable a large number of youth to access a wide variety of schemes.

In order to encourage SC-ST students for higher studies in leading universities in other developed countries such as U.S.A, U.K, etc Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi (Education) Scheme has been introduced. In 2015-16 Minorities also have been included under the overseas education scheme.

The Government is providing Post Matric Scholarships for poor students to pursue professional, degree and post graduate courses. Government has taken a decision to continue the post Matric scholarship scheme with a revised income of Rs. 1.50 Lakh (Rural) & Rs. 2.00 Lakh (Urban) to pursue higher education on a saturation basis. The Total amount of Scholarships is paid to around 14.00 lakhs students each year and the amount is around Rs. 2400 Crores per annum.

Government is running hostels for the welfare of poor students by providing their food, shelter, dress, book etc. Government is running a large number of Residential schools (637) for imparting quality education to students of weaker sections at an estimated cost of Rs. 860.00 Crores.  Top class education facilities are provided by way of infrastructure, logistics and quality teaching.  The performance of residential schools is much higher than the other schools in the state. Government is running a large number of study circles for the welfare of the poor students to compete for a large number of competitive exams.

The State of Telangana has 35,700 Anganwadis centers functioning through the 149 ICDS projects and provides services like supplementary nutrition, immunization, health checkups, referral services etc. Government of Telangana has the distinction of universalizing one Full Meal Programme from 1^st January, 2015 in the name of Arogya Lakshmi which is unique in the entire country in the sense that one hot-cooked meal is served with daily egg and milk to ensure that the pregnant and lactating women have nutritious food at the Center itself along with Iron and Folic Acid Tablets to reduce anemia and malnutrition. Though it is resulting in additional financial commitment of Rs.327 Crore per annum, the State Government is committed to the goal of improving the nutrition and health status of the pregnant and lactating women in the State which directly impacts on the health and nutrition status of the next generation of the State.

Recognizing the contribution made by the Anganwadi Centers in improvement of nutrition and health status of women and children, the Government of Telangana has increased the honorariums of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers with effect from March, 2015 from Rs.4200 to Rs.7000 and from Rs.2200 to Rs.4500 respectively.

Government of Telangana gives utmost priority to the safety and security of women in the State. Telangana is the first state in entire country which constituted a High Level Committee to suggest measures for effective implementation of various legislations meant for safety and security of girls and women. The Committee made its recommendations and based on those recommendations, different departments are taking various measures for improved safety and security of women. This is another unique initiative by Government of Telangana.

In the past, social security pensions provided were meager and, barely sufficient to cover the basic minimum requirements of the needy.  With a view to combat the ever-increasing cost of living and inflation, the Government has introduced a new scheme called Aasara pensions, which will provide substantial financial benefits to all the above categories, particularly those who are most needy. The scale of assistance has enhanced from Rs. 500/- to Rs. 1500/- per month for disabled persons and from Rs. 200/- to Rs. 1000/- per month for other than disabled persons. Government has also introduced Financial Assistance to Beedi Workers at the rate of Rs.1000/- per month. Government has announced and is being implemented a new scheme for providing accidental insurance for Rs. 5.00 lakhs for Transport Drivers/Home Guards/Working journalists. Premium for the insurance policies will be totally borne by the Government.

As a welfare measure the Government is providing rice and other commodities such as Dal and Sugar to 90, 90,350 households through 17,159 fair price shops. Fundamental changes have been made in the food security scheme of the Government and the Ceiling on the number of beneficiaries in a house hold has also been removed. The Government has also started a scheme for supplying “Fine Rice” for all hostels, Mid Day Meal Programme benefitting 35.25 lakhs children.

With sanctioning of Deepam Connections by way of a proactive measure by addressing the oil companies to provide 20.00 lakhs connections under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme Telangana state has become a “Kerosene free State”.

The Government of Telangana has redefined the concept of housing for the poor by enhancing the quality and space for the construction of house to give dignity to the poor.  As against the old yardstick of 260 square feet the government presently has launched the new scheme with a two bedroom, two toilets and a hall and kitchen with 560 SFT. This is perhaps the only state in the country to launch such a liberal scheme for the poor.  Each house would cost Rs. 5.04 lakhs in rural areas and 5.30 lakhs in the urban areas. It is also proposed to provide the requisite infrastructure at the cost of Rs. 1, 25,000 per house in rural areas and Rs. 75,000 per house in urban areas. 

Chief Minister with Collectors In a free and frank meet:Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

Chief Minister with Collectors

In a free and frank meet

Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

In a marathon five hour meeting with District Collectors and Superintendents of Police held at DR MCR HRD Institute on October 13, 2015 Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao reviewed the progress of prestigious government programs, schemes and current issues that include Housing for Poor, Land Procurement for Irrigation Projects, Drinking Water, Land Purchase for Dalits, GOs 58 &59, Grama Jyoti, Mission Kakatiya, Telangana ku Haritaharam, Drought, Krishna Pushkaras etc. Opening the discussion Chief Minister said that the meeting has been convened basically to elicit information on issues and hurdles in implementation of various programs in a free and frank atmosphere. He said number of schemes have been initiated in the state over the last 16 months and all over the country in the remaining 28 states many are looking at Telangana the way they are in progress.

Priority item for discussion was housing for poor. CM cited the examples of Erravalli village which he adopted and IDH colony in the Hyderabad city where the first housing initiative was taken up. Designs of the houses to be built in Erravalli are shown to the Collectors and SPs. Erravalli villagers after a brainstorming discussion and laborious exercise agreed to demolish their old and dilapidated houses and go for new ones in their place. Two more villages China Mulkanoor in Karimnagar District and Narasannapet in Medak District which are also adopted by CM also are going for a similar exercise. The designs of the proposed houses impressed all the Collectors and readily agreed to replicate in their districts with minor changes suiting to the local needs. These houses would be of uniform design and will be either in 200 Square yards or 250 Yards with amenities like gobar gas connections, shopping malls, community hall etc.

For constructing new houses the site not necessarily to be located at a far away place away from village. The idea of a double bedroom house for poor is a well thought out program and has its roots and origin during drafting of TRS manifesto. It would be a one+one model to enable joint families or close relatives to live together said CM. He is very firm in saying that under any circumstances there shall not be any mistake either in the process of beneficiary selection or in construction. In other words there shall be no scope for misappropriation of funds and the Collectors are responsible to ensure that there is no scope for corruption. The CM said that if any official indulges in corruption or malpractice the Government will take stern action against the person responsible for it. He said that all should work carefully in a transparent manner and only eligible persons are benefited.

CM also mentioned that layouts and alignments for construction of the houses should not disturb the village life and the existing tress. Four-Five architects will be empanelled by Government for helping Collectors in designing houses in villages. A typical design of a two bedroom house in the village shall have the facility of bath and lavatory not inside but outside as if it is almost inside. This would also enable in obtaining Government of India funding under construction of toilets scheme. Basically the houses would be on the pattern of IDH Colony in Hyderabad in an area of 560 SFT including common area. There will be two lofts for storage. In all, in the first phase during this year Government would construct 60, 000 houses which includes 36, 000 in rural areas and 24, 000 in urban areas. In each of the Assembly segment 400 houses would be built. Beneficiaries for 50% of the proposed houses in each constituency will be as per the recommendation of Minister concerned and remaining by MLA.

As far as possible the houses would come-up as colonies or clusters of houses said CM and that too to the extent possible to be at a place adjacent to main road. This would have an impact and a message about the scheme would go to others. The cost of construction is estimated at Rs. 5.04 Lakhs per unit in rural areas and Rs. 5.30 Lakhs in urban areas. Collectors have been asked to give permits for transporting sand from the nearby rivers but ensuring that there is no misuse in the process. Required civic infrastructure for each colony like water supply, electricity, approach and internal roads as well as drains and sewerage shall be provided.

CM also desired that no part of the work should be stopped on the pretext of rules and regulations. The Collectors have been empowered to take decisions for effective and speedy completion of scheme which is basically a poor people scheme. The overall implementation of the scheme will be done by Collectors in the districts and commissioner GHMC in Hyderabad. CM also directed collectors to gather details of people who got pattas from Government and also those who are in need of houses. The rule that land should not be acquired within 5 KM radius in mandal headquarters and other towns would be relaxed paving way for acquisition of land in that radius for the housing scheme. In addition any Government land if it is useful for housing would also be made use of.

(Post Script: The Scheme has been formally launched on Vijay Dasami day, the 22^nd October 2015. CM launched in Suryapet in Nalgonda District and Erravalli village in Medak District and other ministers in their concerned districts on a large scale).

Completion of irrigation projects-both medium and major-is one of the top priorities of the Government. The land procurement progress has been reviewed by the Chief Minister and he asked the Collectors to take initiative to procure lands for construction of irrigation projects. CM repeatedly emphasized that it is “land procurement” and not “land acquisition”. Collector Mahaboobnagar explained the process adopted for land procurement for Palamoor-Rangareddy lift irrigation scheme. Collector Nalgonda explained how he did it for the purpose of two reservoirs and for a bund. CM suggested that other Collectors should follow the same methodology and with the same spirit so that in a very short period projects could be completed. He pointed out that the main reason for delay in execution of projects is mainly due to land acquisition and hence his Government preferred land procurement by paying market value. He recalled the olden days of land acquisition policy which dragged on years together in litigations. CM assured to release required funds for procurement for speedy process. Officials are advised to provide one-time compensation by analysing land value, house and cattle etc. For those whose lands are procured, the double bed room cost of Rs. 5. 04 lakhs would be paid.

CM also said that it was the hope of the Telangana people that once the state is formed justice would be done with regards to utilization of water, provision of funds and opportunities for employment and accordingly the Government has taken up irrigation projects. The entire exercise would enable expeditious completion of irrigation projects.

Chief Minister reviewed the progress of Telangana Drinking Water Supply Project also known as “The Water Grid” and wanted that the Collectors to continuously supervise all the works pertaining to the scheme. CM expressed his satisfaction over the progress of construction of intake wells. CM wanted that to ensure laying of pipelines Collectors should invoke Right of Way Act as it has come to his notice that few people are not allowing the pipelines to pass through their lands with an intention to delay the works which is against law. Stating that since the pipelines would be laid below 1.6 meters from the surface Collectors should be strict on this aspect and the Superintendents of Police to help in this regard wherever required. Referring to the requirement of about 370 hectares of forest land for construction of structures and laying pipeline, which are generally in small pieces of 5 hectares, CM instructed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to accord permission on the basis of compensatory afforestation without referring to Chennai as it does not require it to go there. As the pipelines of all categories measuring about 1, 27, 000 KM and likely to go up to 1, 70, 000KM would be crossing National Highways, R & B Road Crossings, Panchayat Raj Roads, Railway Crossings and Canal Crossings at nearly 13, 530 places, CM asked the officials to discuss with concerned officials to overcome problems if any. Since 70% of the project work comprises of pipelines it needs to be expedited said CM.

CM also reviewed Land Purchase Scheme for Dalits and has been told by officers that so far 3772 acres of land was purchased under the scheme and out of these 3206 acres has been registered to beneficiaries. CM said that only land which is under cultivation and cultivable should be purchased and that too with the consent of prospective beneficiary. Collectors are to be responsible for purchase. There shall not be a restriction that the beneficiary shall not be in possession of total 3 acres of land but even those who possess less than three acres are to be considered. Collectors and Ministers should use their wisdom in this aspect said CM. He said whatever the extent of land available efforts are to be made to buy and allot to Dalits. In other words CM wanted that Collectors have to provide 3 acres of land for people who do not own any land and for people with some land remaining part of land. CM also said that Government will implement similar scheme to benefit Scheduled Tribes also. Chief Minister directed the Collectors to speed-up the distribution of pattas to the beneficiaries who applied for regularization Government lands vide GO 58 and GO 59.

Reviewing the Grama Jyothy programme progress which he described as a lasting programme, CM said that, in many villages basic infrastructure is either absent or inadequate. That is why many have adopted one village each for development under Grama Jyothy. CM asked the Collectors to ensure provision of basic amenities and also ensure that every village have crematorium, burial ground and dumping yard. CM said that Government is all set to provide 25, 000 Tricycles to collect and carry garbage from households to dump yards. Ministers have been asked to conduct periodical reviews and monitor constantly said CM.   

CM has been informed that under Mission Kakatiya so far in phase-I 8200 tanks have been taken-up for grounding and out of them 1700 were totally competed. Keeping in view the rains in some districts and the water levels, works will go on wherever possible. CM said taking advantage of drought in some areas works should be continued. He also said that correct estimates of Ayucut under each tank have to be made.   

Reviewing Telangana ku Haritaharam CM said that Department of Forest needs rejuvenation first. He said that most of the forest lands are in encroachments and they have to be renewed first. Officers instead of confining to Aranyabhavan should move to forest areas and initiate steps for cent percent protection of forest lands. CM said that social forestry has to be increased. Protection has to be provided to the plants under Harita Haram. CM instructed PCCF to call for a meeting of all conservators and chalk out a programme on future course of action. CM also said that Fire Engines are to be stepped into action to protect plants. CM asked Collector Mahaboobnagar District to prepare a project report for relocation of non-Chenchus of Nallamala Forest to obtain funds under Tiger Reserve Project.

       CM said in conclusion that the State Government would take-up special programs to bailout the farmers in the drought-hit mandals. CM asked officials to prepare a list of drought-hit mandals as per the existing central Government norms.

 CM wanted both Medaram Sammakka-Sarakka Jatara and forthcoming Krishna Pushkaras are to be organized the way Godavari Pushkaras were organized. End