AP Govt to eliminate poverty in 3 years: YSR

Bobbili, Andhra Pradesh, Apr 12 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said his government will strive hard to eliminate poverty in the state in the next three years.

Addressing public meetings as part of 'Prajapadam' at Alajangi and Gollapalli Villages in Vizianagaram District, Dr Reddy said the government was implementing National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to alleviate the plight of poor people by providing work to one member of each poor family for at least for 100 days in a year.

Steps were also being taken to meet drinking water scarcity in summer, he added.

Earlier, speaking at Devalabhadra village of Srikakulam District, Dr Reddy said the government would build another offshore reservoir to reduce drinking water scarcity in the water starved Tekkali division. Steps were being taken to streamline water supply in the district irrespective of the drought impact.

He said work on Vamsadhara Project was proceeding at a fast pace.

At present water was being fed to 50,000 acre and a fresh ayacut of 57,000 acre created in a couple of years.

Loans were being extended to members of self-help groups at 25 paise (three per cent per annum) interest rate to improve the economic conditions of women.

Meanwhile, Madiga reservation Porata samiti (MRPS) obstructed the Chief Minister's speech by shouting slogans demanding withdrawal of the proposal to introduce a bill seeking classification of Scheduled Castes in the Assembly.

In his response, Dr Reddy said he would ensure justice was done.

Nevertheless, the government was bound by the Supreme Court rulings on reservation, he added.

UNI RS GM 1817