‘Welfare is a right, not favor’

Metro India News | Hyderabad  

Welfare is a right citizens can claim and not a favour governments hand out, said TPCC Vice-President Dr Kota Neelima at the "Telangana Rising – Welfare Policies" panel at Bharat Summit 2026, held at HICC – HITEX.

She recalled that the Congress government made welfare an enforceable right through the RTI Act, MGNREGA, the Forest Rights Act, the Right to Education Act and the National Food Security Act.  Dr Neelima was speaking on the opening day of the summit where she said the six guarantees, including Mahalakshmi and Rythu Bharosa, and investments in education, healthcare and nutrition, reflect the Congress government's commitment to inclusive growth.

She contrasted this with the BRS government's Kaleshwaram project, which she said left the State with a heavy financial burden. She criticized the centre for not sanctioning Rs 30,000 crore in drought assistance, when 31 of 33 districts of Telangana declared drought-affected. Development must be measured by whether it reduces inequality and lets every citizen live with dignity, she opined. She made it clear that the Congress party empowers people with rights, not promises.