AP on development path under Congress rule

Hyderabad, Mar 12 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh has witnessed exponential growth in all sectors following the various developmental and welfare schemes initiated by the Y S Rajasekhara Reddy-led Congress Government during the last four years, according to the Congress.

The Government had fulfilled all the action plans and the State was marching towards 'Harith Andhra Pradesh' as per the aspirations of the people, a note prepared by the Congress, comparing development during its rule and the previous TDP's ''black'' regime, said.

The Congress Government had fulfilled all the election promises made ahead of the 2004 polls and launched several other welfare schemes too as per the changing situation for the benefit of all sections of people, it said.

Detailing various welfare schemes initiated by the Government during the last four years, the note said the Government had been providing free power supply to 23.7 lakh agricultural connections as promised in the election manifesto. The Government had been providing 1,000 crore units free of cost to the farmers.

Holding the TDP responsible for farmers' suicides in the State in view of its ''anti-farmer'' attitude, the Congress said the TDP Government, during 1995 to 2004, had increased power tariff umpteen number of times. It had forcefully collected electricity arrears from ryots, whereas the Congress Government had waived off electricity arrears to the tune of Rs 1,200 crore, it pointed out.

The Government had been providing loans at three per cent interest to women members of self help groups in the rural areas, benefitting 80 lakh women in the 4.5 lakh DWCRA groups. It had provided loans worth Rs 8,779 crore for the welfare of women during the last four years and decided to provide Rs 10,000 crore next year.

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