AP Govt committed to overall development: YSR

Hyderabad, Oct 31 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said his government was committed to the welfare of the people and overall development of the state.

In an open letter in connection with the 51st Andhra Pradesh Formation Day tomorrow, he said the government had initiated several welfare schemes for the benefit of the poor, farmers, workers and women.

The government had given priority to agriculture sector with a view to increase agricultural production and uplift economic conditions of the farmers in the state in the last three-and-half years.

It had also taken steps for the industrial growth and given equal importance to Information Technology to create employment for youth.

The government had distributed 4.32 lakh acre of land to landless poor during the period and decided to distribute 1.5 lakh acre to landless poor on November 19, the birth anniversary of the Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The government had also introduced 'Aarogya Sree' insurance scheme for poor to help them avail medical facilities in corproate hospitals with the premium paid by the government.

By December 2008, it would be implemented all over the state. The government would provide 1.82 crore health cards for all eligible white ration card holders to avail benefit under the scheme.

Nearly 95 percent of the farmers were benefitted by the free power supply provided by the government.

He said the government would try to provide loans for farmers at an interest rate of 25 paise only.

Due to government's initiatives, foodgrain production increased to 169.50 lakh tonne from 136.97 lakh tonne. An additional 11.50 lakh acre were brought under cultivation due to irrigation projects under 'Jalayagnam'.

For women's empowerment and improvement of their economic condition, the government had been providing loans to 6.88 lakh self- helf groups benefitting 90 lakh women with an amount of Rs 7,000 crore.

He said the government had also taken up construction of houses under Indiramma Housing Scheme to provide pucca houses to all eligible poor people in the state.

UNI