Date:20/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/20/stories/2008012051070200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Disclose amount earmarked for welfare’

MAHaBUBNAGAR: Telugu Desam politburo member T. Devender Goud demanded that state Government should disclose as how much amount was being earmarked for the welfare of BC’s, SC’s, ST’s, and poorer sections in the annual budget.

Speaking to presspersons here on Saturday Devender Goud said his party would ask the government in the ensuing budget session of state assembly about share of BC’s in the budget.

‘BC’s constitute more than 50 percent in the population but they are being denied of their legitimate share in the budget, he said.

Mr. Devender Goud said that the government has decided to increase the mess charges in welfare hostels only to the extent of 10 or 20 percent after their visits to welfare hostels.

“The mess charges should be fixed basing on the requirements of hostel boarders,” he said.

The TDP leader alleged that the Congress government had totally neglected the welfare of the weaker sections and working for interests of those sections, which were close to either Chief Minister or his Cabinet members.

“If one observes the four years rule he comes to the conclusion that this government has totally ignored the constitutionally set up institutions and implementing its own agenda.”

He charged that village artisans here become migrant labourers during the rule of Congress government.

To a quarry on Telangana, he said his party supreme Chandrababu Naidu would announce party stand over Telangana at appropriate time.