Deputy CM Bhatti: Cong. promise for landless labourers from December 28

The first installment of Rs 6,000 will be released on December 28, coinciding with the Congress’ formation day, Bhatti said at a press conference here on Sunday. The financial assistance of Rs 12,000 would be distributed in two installments.

Farmers would receive Rythu Bharosa benefits after Sankranti. This will effectively replace the Rythu Bandhu scheme. Under the new initiative, Rs 15,000 per acre per year will be given as investment support to farmers, as against the Rs 10,000 under the Rythu Bandhu of the previous BRS government.

Highlighting key development projects, Bhatti announced that airports would be established at Kothagudem, Ramagundam, Adilabad and Warangal to drive industrial expansion across Telangana. The government had also initiated the Musi River rejuvenation project to restore it as the "crown jewel" of Hyderabad city.

Bhatti added that the proposed Regional Ring Road (RRR) would connect all districts, while industrial and housing clusters between the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and RRR would cater to the needs of future generations.

Refuting claims made by BRS leaders regarding Telangana’s financial condition, he clarified that loans during the 10-year rule of BRS amounted to over Rs 7.5 lakh crore.

"At the time of Telangana’s formation in 2014, the state’s direct debt stood at Rs 72,658 crore. By 2024, this shot up to Rs 3,89,673 crore. Additionally, loans raised through guarantees amounted to Rs 95,462 crore and non-guaranteed loans stood at Rs 59,414 crore," he said.

Bhatti stated that of the Rs 54,118 crore borrowed by the Congress government this year, as per FRBM norms, a significant portion was utilised to clear the principal and interest payments of loans amounting to Rs 66,782 crore that had been inherited from the BRS government.

Despite financial constraints, the Deputy CM said, the Congress government had prioritised farmer welfare by waiving crop loans of Rs 21,000 crore. He said that the Congress government has recently announced a 40 per cent increase in mess charges for students in government residential schools and welfare hostels, adding a financial burden of Rs 550 crore to the state exchequer.

"The Congress government is committed to fulfilling its promises while ensuring holistic development across the state," Bhatti said.