Hyderabad, Jan 26 (NationPress) The Telangana administration has concentrated its efforts over the past two years on broadening welfare programs and fortifying agricultural support, alongside infrastructural development, substantial investments in digital education, new universities, and enhancing the IT/ITES sector through technology parks and innovation endeavors. This has all occurred while maintaining robust economic growth and improving law and order, stated Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Monday.

In his address during the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the Governor outlined various initiatives undertaken for welfare and development.

He emphasized that the government prioritizes the welfare of farmers, ensuring round-the-clock quality power supply to the agricultural sector. Additionally, loans up to Rs 2 lakh for farmers have been waived, incurring an expenditure of Rs 20,617 crore and benefiting approximately 26 lakh farmers.

The Governor noted that the Rythu Bharosa assistance was increased last year from Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per acre annually, thereby enhancing input support for cultivators. Furthermore, every grain harvested by farmers is being procured, with a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal on premium variety paddy.

During the current Kharif season, about 72 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been procured from 14.24 lakh farmers, with total payments amounting to Rs 17,079.50 crore thus far. An additional Rs 1,453 crore has been distributed as a bonus subsidy.

The Governor highlighted that Telangana has risen to become India’s top producer of paddy, supported by a solid agricultural infrastructure. The state has also enhanced its international market presence, exporting rice to countries like the Philippines.

For the first time, a Farmer Commission has been established to boost farmers’ economies and promote sustainable agricultural practices through modern technology, soil health management, organic farming, and effective execution of welfare schemes, thereby enhancing productivity and minimizing indebtedness.

He mentioned that the problematic Dharani Portal has been replaced with the user-friendly Bhu Bharati Act, aimed at resolving longstanding land disputes.

After a prolonged hiatus, the government has successfully concluded recruitment for Group I, Group II, Group III, and Group IV positions via the Telangana Public Service Commission. A total of 62,749 youth have been employed through the Public Service Commission, the Police Recruitment Board, and other recruitment bodies to date.

To facilitate private sector employment, the government has recently launched the Digital Employment Exchange of Telangana (DEET) to empower youth by enhancing their employability at no cost. A total of 1,22,337 job seekers have registered, and 1,892 employers have joined the platform.

Governor Varma indicated that the government established the Young India Skill University to equip youth with employable skills. Significant reforms in the school and higher education sectors have also been implemented. The establishment of a Young India Sports University in the Future City is underway, which will serve as an integrated sports hub.

The government has transformed ITIs into Advanced Technology Centres, aiming to skill youth in high-demand sectors while bridging the gap between industry and academia through training, scholarships, and job support, with the goal of making Telangana a global hub for skills.

"The government strongly believes that the future of the state is determined in classrooms and has thus launched various initiatives to fortify the public education system, enabling it to compete with private institutions," he remarked.

An Education Commission has been formed to devise effective education policies. Mess fees have been raised by 40% and cosmetic charges by 200% to enhance facilities for students.

"Young India Integrated Residential Schools," each covering 25 acres, are being established to provide equitable opportunities for students. Recently, a Young India Police Residential School has been initiated for the children of police personnel," he continued.