In a recent press conference held at the Telangana Bhavan, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President and Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao announced a comprehensive manifesto for the upcoming Telangana assembly elections scheduled for November 30. The manifesto includes a series of ambitious pledges aimed at improving the lives of the state’s citizens. Here are the key highlights of the BRS manifesto:
- Free Insurance for BPL Families: The BRS manifesto pledges to provide free life insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh to families below the poverty line. This initiative, named KCR Bima, will see the government covering 100 percent of the premiums paid to the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) on behalf of all beneficiaries.
- Rythu Bandhu Scheme Enhancement: Under the Rythu Bandhu scheme, financial assistance to farmers, which is currently set at ₹10,000 per year, will be increased to ₹12,000 in the first year and eventually raised to ₹16,000 over the next five years. The procurement policy for paddy will remain in place.
- Affordable LPG Cylinders: The BRS manifesto promises to supply liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders at a subsidized rate of ₹400 to eligible families below the poverty line. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden of rising LPG prices imposed by the central government.
- Ration Card Holders’ Benefits: Ration card holders in Telangana will receive fine rice under the Telangana Annapurna Scheme, effective from April-May 2024.
- Enhanced Social Security Pensions: The “Aasara” scheme will see an increase in social security pensions for senior citizens and women from ₹2,016 per month each to ₹6,000 over the next five years. The monthly pension will be raised to ₹3,016 in the coming year.
- Support for Divyangs: Persons with disabilities (Divyangs) will receive increased financial assistance, rising from ₹4,016 to ₹6,000 gradually.
- Women Empowerment through Soubhagya Lakshmi Scheme: The BRS manifesto includes a promise to provide eligible poor women with financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month under the Soubhagya Lakshmi scheme.
- New Health Scheme – “KCR Arogya Raksha”: A new health scheme called “KCR Arogya Raksha” is introduced, offering cashless treatment in private hospitals up to ₹15 lakh, an enhancement from the previous limit of ₹10 lakh. Accredited journalists will also benefit from this health scheme.
- Housing Initiatives: The BRS government plans to continue the construction of double-bedroom houses for an additional one lakh economically disadvantaged families. Additionally, those who own house sites will receive ₹5 lakh per house.
- Educational Opportunities: The manifesto promises the establishment of 119 residential schools for economically weaker sections within the upper caste population, one in each constituency. Furthermore, some residential junior colleges will be upgraded into degree colleges.
- Support for Orphaned Children: The state government will implement a policy for orphaned children, providing them with educational facilities and support. These children will be called “State Children.”
- Assigned Lands Policy: A policy for assigned lands will be introduced, enabling individuals who were assigned government lands to sell them when the need arises.
- Enhanced Minority Budget Allocation: The budgetary allocation for minorities in Telangana will see substantial enhancements to protect and promote the Ganga-Jamuna Tehjeeb (composite culture) in the state.
The BRS manifesto not only seeks to continue existing policies but also introduces new schemes aimed at improving the livelihoods of various sections of the population. If re-elected, the BRS aims to implement these promises to benefit the people of Telangana.
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