Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010555620600.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

YSR to seek Central funds

Pranahita-Chevella and Polavaram will change lives of people

Dr. Reddy to participate in Chief Ministers’ meeting
Scheduled to meet Manmohan Singh and Ms. Gandhi

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy would seek funds under the special Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AICP) for the Pranahita-Chevella and Polavaram projects when he calls on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and AICC president Sonia Gandhi on Monday.

Dr. Reddy, who will be leaving on a two-day visit to New Delhi, will participate in the Chief Ministers’ conference and later call on the two leaders separately. Armed with the progress report on the Government’s performance, Dr. Reddy is planning to seek additional funds to take up the two prestigious projects, which will change the lives of people of Telangana and Andhra regions.

A press release from the Chief Minister’s Office said on Sunday that Dr. Reddy wants to impress upon the Centre that the Pranahita-Chevella project is the lifeline of backward areas in Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Medak and Ranga Reddy districts.

The Chief Minister is expected to present a report on the proposed pension scheme for the Self-Help Groups in the State.

He will invite Ms. Gandhi to launch the scheme which is likely to benefit one crore women. Members of SHGs on attaining 60 years of age will get a monthly pension ranging between Rs. 500 and Rs 5,000.

The release said the Government was in the process of seeking the thrift group members’ opinion on the pension scheme till Sankranti. It will be implemented from April 1.