Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday said he wanted cordial relations with the Centre and the neighbouring States.
In his first public address after being sworn in, Mr. Rao sought to bury the bitter feelings generated in the run-up to the elections and talked of warm relations with all, including the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh.
Surplus powerADVERTISEMENT
Addressing a mammoth gathering at Parade Grounds here on Monday, he laid out the road map for development of the new State. An astounding Rs.1 lakh crore would be spent in the next five years to develop the region in different sectors. Mr. Rao sought to allay fears about increasing power shortage in the region post bifurcation. “In the next three years, Telangana will emerge as a power surplus state,” he declared.
Mr. Rao was notable for its mention of the promises made during the election campaign.
ADVERTISEMENT
Strengthening the new State’s financial position tops his agenda.
An investor-friendly industrial policy is in the offing to attract investment. Hyderabad is all set to get an Information Technology Investment Region. A congenial atmosphere would be provided to attract IT companies.
The TRS government, Mr. Rao said, would show zero tolerance to political corruption. It would be rooted out in its entirety and those indulging in it would be dealt with severely.
Announces sopsAmidst slogans of ‘Jai Telangana’, the TRS leader announced a number of sops to boost the morale of government employees. To start with, they would get special increment and health cards. Very soon, they would get wages on par with their counterparts in the Central Government.
He also announced an increase in the monthly widow pension to Rs.1,000. Elderly beedi workers would also get a pension of like amount, while the physically challenged would get a monthly pension of Rs.1,500. Mr. Rao further promised to provide two-bedroom houses to weaker sections.