Telugu desam party

telugu desam party draft manifesto

In Andhra Pradesh, the political crisis caused by the bifurcation of the state has undermined the bond of trust between the Telugu people and the politicians elected to serve them. So this cannot, and will not, be a ‘business as usual’ election or Manifesto. In this Manifesto we set out plans to address the main future challenges we face in our economy, our society and our politics. We will rebuild the economy to secure the recovery and invest in future growth and jobs. We will renew our society to further strengthen the communities that bind our country together. And we will restore trust in politics with greater transparency and accountability in a system battered by the corruption administration of the Congress Party.

Our Manifesto is ambitious but affordable, bold but realistic, and learns from the lessons we take from our experience to date. Over the next ten years we will confront major challenges –constructing a vibrant Andhra Pradesh and re-constructing Telangana. This is a moment for good judgment and serious purpose to meet the challenges ahead. Our aim is a modern, progressive Andhra Pradesh and Telangana based on fairness, respect, decency and openness.

You can recall that I was blessed by you to be the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh between 1995 and 2004. During that time, I have studied the development approaches and growth models of various countries and prepared a road map for the development of our state in the name of Vision-2020. I am proud to inform that the steps undertaken in various sectors in the state during my tenure have yielded rich dividends in the later years leading to creation of wealth in the state. The credit for building Hitech City, World class International Airport, Outer Ring Road, Convention Centers, Educational, Medical and Recreational facilities have portrayed the emergence of Hyderabad City on the global map belongs to us. As a result of innovative approaches and networking with international organizations and my persuasion with multi-national companies like Microsoft to set up their offshore development centers in Hyderabad, the city has become the most favorite destination in the country for domestic investors and global corporations. Impetus to IT industry led to huge employment opportunities in Hyderabad and it had its spin off effect on the service sector thus impacting the economy of the state as a whole. Owing to the substantial number of seats that our party had in Parliament, I could get several schemes and funds for the state. I could influence Government of India in many progressive policies like Communications, Micro Irrigatrion etc., for the country. The world has recognized the impeccable administrative and managerial skills of Telugu Desam government which focused on creating of wealth, employment eradication of poverty and empowerment of women.

Andhra Pradesh in general and Hyderabad in particular was converted as a Knowledge Society. Inspiration and awareness building among the educated Youth has kindled entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurs from Andhra Pradesh have successfully established enterprises all over the country and abroad. Many of them have captured the imagination of the world in the process. Present Chief Executive of Microsoft Sri Nadella Satya, GVK, GMR, Apollo, etc., are just a few to mention about the process of globalization of Telugu community. In addition, I have given special focus on rural infrastructure development like roads, protected drinking water schemes, school and hospital buildings by involving stake holders in a participatory model.

When the state was poised to see rapid strides in the development paradigm, the Congress party took over the governance of the state in 2004. The strong foundations laid by my government to create wealth and infrastructure have been made redundant. Sri Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and the subsequent Congress Chief Ministers have ruined the prosperous state through their corrupt administration and wrong priorities. At least an amount of Rs.80,000 crores spent on irrigation projects has become unfruitful expenditure as the projects were not completed. In addition to the huge revenue generated due to the accelerated growth regime created during the TDP rule, the Congress party has also borrowed Rs. 1,24,230 crores during this period only to be swallowed by corrupt Congress machinery. The UPA Government under the Chairmanship of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have become party to the corruption of Sri Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and his team by openly colluding with them and giving a free hand to loot the wealth of Andhra Pradesh.

Thus, the last ten years of Congress rule is a dark chapter in the annals of Andhra Pradesh. The corrupt administration of Y.S.Rajasekhar Reddy, the inept administration of Sri Rosaiah and the indecisive governance under Sri N.Kiran Kumar Reddy and the agitations in the state have literally destroyed the brand image of Hyderabad in the national and international arena. The inexorable corrupt regime of Sri Y.S.Rajasekhar Reddy has landed some of the greedy crony capitalists and IAS Officers in jail. These sad episodes have caused irrecoverable damage to the brand image of Andhra Pradesh in general and Hyderabad in particular. Moreover, the inefficient management of the power sector has literally led to the collapse of industrial and agricultural sectors causing massive unemployment and unrest in the rural and urban areas.

The latest decision to bifurcate the state has demoralized many a section of Telugu people. People are concerned about the welfare, livelihoods, water distribution, power supply, law and order protection to life and property. The continuous spell of agitations in Seemandhra and Telangana regions fuelled acrimony, distrust especially among the people and the political clan The bifurcation issue has been handled ineptly hurting the feelings of the people in the state by Congress Party and UPA Government. Though I have pleaded for consultation of stake holders to find an amicable solution to the issue, the Government of India ignored all my pleas. Unfortunately, the Congress party handled the bifurcation issue as its party’s internal affair and acted with rudeness and arrogance unmindful of the serious problems the people have to face.

The major political parties also did not gauge the magnitude of damage that could result on account of this bifurcation without finding an amicable solution among the stakeholders. The Bill killed the federal sprit of the Constitution and many of its provisions are unconstitutional. The Government of India has taken over many powers of the state government in the name of the Bill.

This is a period of crisis for Telugu people. There are several problems on account of this bifurcation to the people on both sides. The anomalies and injustice caused in the process of bifurcation have to be set right at the earliest. The hurt feelings and the sentiments aroused on the issue of bifurcation have to be handled with patience and compassion for Telugu Jaati. The emotions caused on account of the agitation need to be subdued by assuring the people of equal justice. This calls for the presence of a party which has a strong presence on both the sides and leadership which can re-conciliate the people on either side. Coordination can be achieved only when a single party comes to power in both the new states especially in the first few years so as to ensure smooth transition of the division in its multifarious dimensions. This is possible only with the Telugu Desam party which has right from beginning been advocating equal justice to both the regions.

At this juncture, the Seemandhra people need the most effective and efficient and experienced leader as the new state has to be built from scratch. Building of new capital city, development of industries increase of income and employment to all are the most immediate challenges that the new State is going to face. Infrastructure required for industrial growth has to be built at the fastest pace. Educational institutions of higher learning, speciality and super speciality hospitals, administrative infrastructure should also be established to minimize the difficulties for the people of Seemandhra during the transition.

Seemandhra region is endowed with natural resources like a coast line of about 1000 kilometres, potential agricultural belt under Krishna, Godavari and Penna Deltas, mineral and forest wealth, a battery of sea ports and scope of abundant power supply for the industries. The human resources available in the Seemandhra region, which can match the best in any country is a boon to this region. The Non Resident Indians from this region can support the speedy growth of this region. With all these resources at command, it is time that the people of Seemandhra rise to the occasion and not to slip in to disappointment or frustration. It is the time to convert the crisis into an opportunity through our collective wisdom hard work, determination and perseverance. This is no doubt a huge challenge but I can assure you with full confidence that I am here to build the new state and build fraternity and harmony among Telugu people.

Simultaneously, the Telangana state needs continued development focusing especially on remote areas and where the social structure still acts as a barrier of development. The past history of feudal suppression and oppression should not be repeated in Telangana. Political empowerment and economic and social development of the backward communities in Telangana has to be given primacy. The scheduled caste and scheduled tribes especially those in the forest belt need to be mainstreamed in economic social and political spheres. The minorities have to get their due share of growth and prosperity in Telangana. The women have to be emancipated from the clutches of slavery and drudgery. Technology should be handed over to the farmers, artisans and professional groups to improve their financial and social status. In short, the Telangana society has to be reengineered so as to empower the backward classes, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, minorities and women and liberate them from the clutches of feudalism. The Telangana state is likely to suffer from shortage of power in the immediate future. The poor farmers may face immediate agony if this problem is not solved quickly. Many of the ongoing irrigation projects, including the major lift irrigation schemes need timely completion and utilization.

All the complex issues need an experienced and capable leader of proven and established competency. The political leadership within Telugu Desam Party is best suited and designed to face the challenges that are inevitable in the face of the bifurcation of the state. With our eyes fixed on the future, but recognizing the realities of today, we will have achieve our destiny to be two shining states for Telugu people. Myself and my party will stand by you. To sum up the state of Andhra Pradesh needs to be built from the scratch, while the Telangana state needs accelerated development and social justice by empowering the BC, SC, STs in all fields.

During my Padayatra, I had seen the plight of various sections of the society on account of the misrule in the last ten years. The conditions of the poor have deteriorated to subhuman levels. Having heard the stakeholders representing various walks of life, I have made certain assurances to be fulfilled by my party if voted to power in the ensuing Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. These assurances are given by me earlier are mentioned in Statement - A. Further, there are requests on certain policy issues as well as issues relating to the public. They are enclosed in the Statement - B. I seek your valuable suggestions and recommendations at the earliest on both the statements and your suggestions will be reviewed for including in our party manifesto. I would be grateful if the learned public of the state give their valuable comments at the earliest.

STATEMENT - A

Making agriculture profitable
1. Waiver of the crop loans of the farmers.
2. Supply of free power to agriculture for 9 hours.
3. Promotion of agro based industries.
Women’s Empowerment
1. Waiver of loans taken by DWCRA Groups.
2. Total security to women.
3. Establishing a separate women protection force.
4. Abolishing belt shops
5. Supply of 12 cooking gas cylinder on subsidy without linking to Aadhar.
6. ‘Mahalakshmi’ scheme which gives Rs.2.00 lakhs to each girl child by the time she is married.
Employment and Empowerment of Youth
1. Supply of free Laptops to the students pursuing Higher education.
2. Provide jobs to all educated.
3. Unemployment allowance of Rs.1000 to Rs.2000 per month to unemployed.
Empowerment of Backward Classes
1. Allotment of 100 assembly seats for backward classes for contesting as MLAs
2. Financial package of Rs.10,000 crores per year for the economic development and welfare of backward classes.
3. Enhancing the reservation for BCs in local bodies upto 50%.
4. Separate corporation for most backward classes.
5. Reservation in the promotions of employees on government Jobs.
Welfare of Scheduled Castes
1. Strict enforcement of the legislation on sub plan implementation for SCs.
2. Ensuring categorization of scheduled castes into A,B,C, D.
Welfare of Scheduled Tribes
1. Reservation for scheduled tribes making district as a Unit.
2. Pension to scheduled tribes above 50 years at Rs.1000.
3. Focus on the health of the scheduled tribes in the agency areas.
4. A separate ST Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
Minorities
1. Muslims
  1. Ensure the reservation facility for minorities in the state and central government jobs.
  2. Free education to Muslim girls from KG to PG class.
  3. Sanction of interest free loans upto Rs. 5 lakhs to muslim youth.
  4. Allotment of 15 constituencies for muslims.
  5. Protection of all WAKF properties.
  6. 6. Marriage Assistance of Rs.50,000/- for poor Muslim girls
Welfare of other economically Backward Classes (EBCs)
1. An amount of Rs.5,000 crores for the welfare of Kapus.
2. A trust for the welfare of Brahmins with a corpus of Rs.500 crores per year.
Welfare of Physically handicapped
Sanction of a monthly pension of Rs.1250 to Rs.1500 per month.
Government employees
1. Implementation of Central pay scales/State PRC Scales which are advantageous to employees.
Pensions and Safety to senior citizens
1. Old age pensions will be enhanced to Rs.1000.
2. Construction of an old age home in every constituency.
Electricity
1. 9 hours free power supply to farmers for agriculture.
School Education
1. Cycles to all High School going girls.
Health
1. P.H.Cs will be strengthened in all aspects.
2. A comprehensive health scheme called N.T.R “Arogya Raksha” scheme to cover all the diseases.

STATEMENT - B

Women’s Empowerment
1. Free Cell phones to all members of DWCRA groups/
Employment and Empowerment of Youth
1. Skill development and self employment promotion in Service sector.
Welfare of Scheduled Castes
1. Review of the Government orders affecting the interest of Scheduled caste assigned lands.
2. Promotion of entrepreneurs among scheduled castes.
Welfare of Scheduled Tribes
1. Tripling of PHCs in Agency areas.
Minorities
(ii) Christians
1. Abolition of the House Committee relating to the decision to take over Christians properties.
2. Efforts to include Dalith Christians as SCs
3. Full protection all Christian properties.
Welfare of other economically Backward Classes(EBCs)
1. Reservation of jobs for the poor among the forward castes.
2. Appointment of a ‘Commission’ for studying inclusion of Kapu’s among BCs
3. Honorarium of Rs.5,000 for the priest’s working in temples without income.
4. Recognition of ‘Sivaarchakas’ among BCs
Physically handicapped
1. Enhancing the budget for the department upto Rs.200 crores. 2. A separate ministry for disabled welfare in the state.
Government employees
1. Retirement age to be made 60 years. 2. Appointment of a commission to study the service conditions of the Anganwadi teachers, Part time lecturers, Homeguards and other contract workers of IKP, NREGS, RTC, Electricity etc.
Welfare of Private sector and unorganized sector employees
1. Ensuring minimum wages, protection of women workers in the night shifts, better transport and medical facilities.
2. Allotment of licences / ID cards for Hamalies, rikshaw pullers, construction workers, street vendors, etc.,
3. Social security and medical insurance to the unorganized workers.
4. Amenities at the work places and safety measures.
Irrigation
1. Completion of all ongoing irrigation projects on a priority basis.
2. Fighting for the just rights of water against the decision of Brijesh Kumar Tribunal.
3. Massive investment for promoting micro irrigation.
Electricity
1. 24 hours power supply for domestic and industrial needs in the next two years.
2. Liberal subsides for solar power industry promotion.
3. Power shortages in Telangana to be addressed immediate.
Infrastructure development
1. Development of Coastal corridor from Itchapuram to Tada.
2. Outer Ring roads in all major cities.
3. Connecting all district headquarters with 4 lane roads.
4. CC roads in all Grama Panchayats and colonies.
5. Completion of ongoing ports and development of new ports like Duggarajaparnam.
6. Construction of major port at Ramayapatnam.
7. Development of Fishing Harbours in all coastal districts not having Harbours.
8. Development of second phase MMTS in Hyderabad City.
9. A new railway zone in the new state of Andhra Pradesh.
10. Completion of railway wagon repair workshop in Kazipet.
11. Expansion of Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupathi airports into international Airports.
12. Development of new airports in Nellore / Prakasam districts and Karimnagar districts.
Industrial development
1. Focus on manufacturing industries based on the available raw materials like coal and minerals.
2. Agro processing, aqua processing, horticulture and food processing industries in all potential districts.
3. Promotion of IT sector in all major cities.
4. Promotion of forest based industries in the tribal pockets.
5. Promotion of diaries meat processing and poultry across all districts.
Promotion of Tourism
1. Promotion of religious tourism.
2. Development of beaches and tourist resorts.
3. Promotion of tourism in forest areas and other historical places.
Control of prices of essential commodities
1. Complete eradication of black marketing.
2. Strengthening the PDS and Rythu bazaars.
3. Establishing price stabilization fund of Rs.2000 crores initially and enhance it gradually as per the need.
School Education
1. Compulsory and free education upto 10th Class.
2. Mid day meal programme upto 10th Class.
3. Safe Drinking Water and toilets with running water for all schools.
Health
1. One Super Speciality Hospital in all major Cities.
2. Area Hospitals to have adequate maternity facilities.
3. New Medical Colleges wherever necessary.

Sunday, 9 March 2014

Tuesday, 4 March 2014