Date:16/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/08/16/stories/2004081603160600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

YSR unveils land development scheme

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, AUG.15. The Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, has unveiled a Rs. 500-crore scheme to develop land alienated for SCs, STs, weaker sections and minorities, a plan to distribute 30,000 `rural artisan credit cards' and a three-pronged strategy for a balanced growth of various sectors.

Addressing the gathering after unfurling the tricolour at the 58th Independence Day celebrations here, Dr. Reddy said the comprehensive package for the development of land would be named after Indira Gandhi. The Government was determined to ensure that land was distributed to Dalits, adivasis and others besides implementing land reforms. There is a plan to provide financial assistance as well as irrigation facilities to land alienated to the poor in the next five years. A committee was being set up to study the feasibility of reclaiming encroached lands of tribals and handing back such lands to them.

Credit card scheme

He said the objective of the credit card scheme was to enable artisans in rural areas, particularly weavers, to easily avail themselves of bank loans. Banks had been asked to distribute 30,000 `Grameena Artisan Credit Cards.'

Three-pronged strategy

Announcing a three-pronged strategy for balanced growth of various sectors and putting the State on a fast track, he said agriculture, irrigation and rural development formed the first part, followed by IT, bio-technology, creation of basic amenities and industrial development. The third strategic sector envisaged welfare schemes for SCs, STs, BCs , minorities, disabled and others.

Dr. Reddy announced that the `Rajiv Yuvasakthi' scheme, to be launched soon, would provide employment to youth. Steps were being taken to mobilise financial assistance of Rs. 1,200 crores for self-help groups, as against Rs. 753 crores spent last year. The Government was considering a proposal to extend the Rs.750-core DFID-funded scheme for alleviation of poverty to 16 more towns. Talking about various welfare initiatives for farmers and others, the Chief Minister asserted the new regime believed in deeds and not words. The promises made to people would be fulfilled. Almost two-thirds of the budgetary funds this year had been earmarked for the agriculture and irrigation sectors. While irrigation facilities had been provided for 70 lakh acres in the past, his Government programmed to create ayacut for 65 lakh acres in the next five years. Eight schemes, including Vamsadhara second stage, would be completed in the next two years.