KTR demands answers on weavers’ woes

metro india news  I hyderabad

BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has demanded that the Telangana government release a white paper verifying Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s allegations that BRS leaders encroached on 8,000 acres of government land in Sircilla. In a letter sent ahead of the Chief Minister’s visit to Rajanna-Sircilla, KTR asked the government to publish specific survey numbers, locations, and ownership details of the alleged lands. He asserted that if the government cannot substantiate these claims, the Chief Minister should issue a public apology and focus on addressing genuine public concerns instead of making political allegations.

A primary focus of KTR’s letter was the plight of Sircilla’s handloom and powerloom workers. He noted that previous BRS initiatives, including the Bathukamma saree scheme, expanded the textile sector's turnover from Rs 250 crore to nearly Rs 1,000 crore. KTR accused the Congress government of dismantling the program, causing job losses, and withholding Rs 60 crore in pending payments. He demanded an immediate release of these funds, the restoration of the 10% yarn subsidy, revival of weavers' insurance, and clear timelines for the proposed yarn depot, weaving park, and apparel park.

On agriculture and irrigation, KTR questioned the government regarding delayed Rythu Bandhu payments, the implementation of the promised Rs 15,000 per acre assistance, the Rs 2 lakh farm-loan waiver, and the reinstatement of Rythu Bima. He highlighted previous BRS irrigation accomplishments, such as the Malkapet reservoir, and asked when water would reach Upper Manair and when distributary canals would receive sanction.

Regarding regional development, KTR criticized the lack of progress on sanctioned industrial projects and requested details on new investments for Sircilla. He pressed for funding for the local JNTU engineering college, clearance of pending bills under Mana Ooru-Mana Badi, and updates on road, healthcare, and drinking-water infrastructure. Furthermore, he sought clear timelines for welfare commitments, including pensions, fee reimbursements, and women’s financial assistance.

KTR concluded that the Chief Minister’s visit should deliver concrete resolutions and answers for Sircilla’s farmers, weavers, and residents rather than political rhetoric.