By IANS
Hyderabad : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Wednesday used the occasion of the country’s 60th Independence Day to announce a 20 point programme for the overall development of his state.
The chief minister, who unfurled the national flag and reviewed an impressive parade at the main official function here, reiterated his government’s commitment to eradicate poverty through the 20-point plan in his address.
With the state witnessing an agitation by Left parties seeking land for poor, Rajasekhara Reddy declared that his government would distribute all surplus land among the landless.
Pointing out that his government distributed 450,000 acres of land among the poor in three phases during last three years, he announced that the fourth phase would be launched on a much larger scale in November.
A notable feature of the land distribution scheme is that ownership rights are being granted to women members of the beneficiary families. “This will go a long way in the empowerment of women,” he said.
YSR, as the chief minister is known, said the government would ensure that every landless gets land and every houseless family gets shelter.
Claiming that Andhra Pradesh was ahead of other states in the housing programme, he said the government would fulfil its promise to build seven million houses.
“The government has constructed 2.1 million houses and distributed house sites to 1.2 million people in three years.”
The chief minister said agriculture, irrigation and rural development would remain priorities of the Congress government. But at the same time, efforts would continue to promote industrialisation, IT, infrastructure and other key sectors.
The official function was held at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad amid tight security. YSR unfurled the national flag and reviewed the colourful parade in the presence of his cabinet colleagues and civil and police officials.
Contingents of state police, home guards, National Cadet Corps, Bharat Scouts and Guides and social welfare schools took part in the march past. Various government departments presented their tableaux highlighting welfare and development schemes and the rich cultural heritage of the state. A lively cultural programme by school children enthralled the audience.
A thick security blanket was thrown around the venue. Tight security arrangements were made all over the city following intelligence warning that terrorists could disrupt the celebrations in the city.
Opposition leader and former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu unfurled the tricolour at NTR Trust Bhavan, the headquarters of his Telugu Desam Party in Hyderabad.