Govt. to develop backward regions: CM

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, AUG. 15. The Chief Minister, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, made a fervent appeal to extremists and factional elements on the Independence Day on Wednesday to shun the path of violence and work for development of the State by joining the social mainstream.

Lending an extra emphasis to his oft-repeated appeal to naxalites, Mr. Naidu assured them that the Government would develop all the backward regions and uplift the oppressed and weaker sections. As for factionalism, a problem endemic to Rayalaseema, he said this kind of violence was proving to be a hurdle in exploiting natural resources in the region.

Addressing people of the State after reviewing an impressive march-past by contingents of the police, NCC and school children at the Secunderabad Parade Grounds, the Chief Minister called for the utmost vigilance against the rising ISI activities. He called upon people to fight unitedly against all kinds of violence - be it communal, casteist or political.

The Chief Minister expressed concern over setback to agricultural operations during the kharif season. In spite of rain during late July and the first fortnight of August, water levels in major reservoirs such as Nagarjunasagar, Srisailam, Sriramsagar, Nizamsagar and Tungabhadra remained alarmingly low.

The paddy-sowing season had begun on a distressing note owing to deficit rainfall all over the State adding to the misery of farmers who had suffered due to lack of remunerative prices last year.

Explaining the measures initiated by the Government to help the farmers, he said that it had declared over 900 mandals drought- affected, started supplying seed for raising alternate crops at heavily subsidised rates and sought financial help of Rs. 850 crores from the Centre. It had released Rs. 180 crores for generating employment, supplying drinking water in villages and towns besides releasing three lakh tonnes of rice.

He called upon people to draw inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi and work for eradication of illiteracy, poverty and unemployment which were rampant even 54 years after independence. He utilised the occasion to highlight his own Government's achievements in this direction.

The Chief Minister said he was attaching the utmost importance to primary education in the Government's bid to achieve 100 per cent illiteracy by 2005 A.D. The literacy rate in A.P. stood at 61 per cent now due to concerted campaigns like Akshara Sankranti targeted at persons above 16 years of age. However, it was below the national average of 65 per cent.

The Government was tackling poverty through a special programme `Velugu' under which 40 lakh families would be raised above the poverty line.

Earlier, Mr. Naidu unfurled the Tricolour and presented awards to police officers and men for meritorious and distinguished service.

The colourful function was attended by Mrs. Haripriya Rangarajan, wife of the Governor, besides Ministers, judges, political leaders and senior army and civil officers.

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Section  : Southern States
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