Hyd is fast emerging as India's 2nd 'C'

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Friday claimed that his government was working hard to realise the dreams of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of taking India into the 21st Century.

Addressing the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Yatra Commemoration Day function at Charminar, the Chief Minister listed out the various schemes being implemented by the State Government. Speaking about eradication of illiteracy, he said as many 31 lakh people were made literate in the first phase in the State and another 70 lakh would be covered in the second phase of programme. The rest 60 lakh people illiterates would be imparted basic education in the next few years to achieve the target of 100 per cent literacy rate in the State.

The Chief Minister also focused his speech on the initiatives taken for the development of Hyderabad, he said the city was emerging as the second capital of the country and this was endorsed by none other than Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his recent visit. He said Hyderabad become the most preferred venue to host international conference and two prestigious events - World Allergic Conference and World Agriculture Conference - would be held in December this year and January next year respectively. He was the Outer Ring Road was one of the largest in the world.

Kiran Kumar Reddy also mentioned that the government has increased the budget for modernisation of Nizamia Unani Tibbi Hospital from Rs 3 crore to Rs 4.4 crore. Further, Rs 15 crore has been sanctioned for the Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority. He said about 1.50 crore minorities in the State were enjoying the benefits of Rs 498 crore allocated for their welfare in the annual budget. He also promised that early approval would be given to the proposals of establishments of new colleges in the Old City.

The Chief Minister also claimed that the government would soon provide houses to the poor families in the Old City and land has already been identified for the purpose. He said at least 60 Muslims would be selected for Sub-Inspectors posts under the four per cent quota being provided to the Muslim community.

Speaking on the occasion, PCC President Botsa Satyanarayana recalled the services of former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. He said no other political party could match the sacrifices given by Congress leaders across the country. He said that Congress leaders and workers have been striving hard to fulfill the dreams of Rajiv Gandhi.

AICC Secretary P Sudhakar Reddy said that Rahul Gandhi was following the footsteps of Rajiv Gandhi and he might lead the party from 2014. He alleged that some parties and groups were promoting communalism in the garb of fight against corruption. However, he said Rahul Gandhi has been taking steps to promote and strengthen secularism in the country.

Labour Minister Danam Nagender, Government Chief Whip Gandra Venkataramana Reddy, PCC General Secretary G Niranjan and other leaders were also present.