Date:03/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/03/stories/2005050306440400.htm

Andhra Pradesh

State Government to take `success story' to people

Special Correspondent

Asset distribution to mark first anniversary celebrations

HYDERABAD: Assets distribution, highlighting of achievements and various developmental initiatives taken up by the Government would mark the first anniversary celebrations of the Congress regime to be held at the Lal Bahadur Stadium here on May 14.

"We will tell people what we have done this one year," the Information and Public Relations Minister, Md. Shabbir Ali told reporters after a cabinet meeting here on Monday. The meeting, chaired by the Chief Minister, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, reviewed the on-going Praja Patham programme and concluded that it was being held "very successfully" for the past 22 days.

First reluctant, now active

He said the ruling and opposition MLAs who were initially reluctant to visit villages in view of the drought, drinking water problem and migration of the people, now participated wholeheartedly in the programme due to good response from the people. As part of the programme, the district in-charge ministers will hold review meetings on May 10 and distribute assets on May 12.

The assets for Ranga Reddy and Hyderabad districts will be distributed as part of the anniversary celebrations here on May 14. He said that so far 16,894 of the 26,108 gram panchayats had been covered under the programme.

As many 6,444 works for drinking water at a cost of Rs.66.41 crores were sanctioned and 5281 employment generation works at a cost of Rs.69.36 crores were taken up. Despite severe drought, the Government had ensured supply of drinking water, taken up employment generation works and provided quality power.

Municipal polls

He replied in the negative when asked if the naxalites issue or municipal elections were discussed. He however said that the municipal elections would be held before August-September.