Hyderabad: CPI state secretary and MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao urged the Telangana government on Wednesday to declare the entire state drought-affected. He cited severe drought conditions attributed to El Nino and demanded immediate relief measures.
Addressing a press conference at the CPI state office, Makhdhum Bhavan, Kunamneni sought assistance for farmers, agricultural labourers and vulnerable communities.
The CPI leader called for a Telangana drought-hit state declaration to ensure comprehensive relief for people facing crop losses and livelihood difficulties. He also demanded employment support, drinking water, fodder and essential commodities for drought-affected communities across the state.
CPI seeks Telangana drought-hit state declaration
Kunamneni said the government should recognise the severity of drought conditions and extend assistance across Telangana. He demanded comprehensive relief for farmers who had suffered crop losses due to the prevailing conditions.
Additionally, he called for measures to protect agricultural labourers whose livelihoods depended on farming activities. The CPI leader stressed the need for employment opportunities and adequate supplies of drinking water, fodder and essential commodities.
He also sought sufficient financial assistance from the Central government to help Telangana address the drought situation. According to Kunamneni, the state required coordinated relief measures to support affected farmers, workers and economically vulnerable sections.
CPI demands Rs 15,000 monthly compensation for urban workers
Apart from agricultural relief, Kunamneni demanded financial support for workers in the urban unorganised sector. He urged the government to provide at least Rs 15,000 per month to workers who lost their livelihoods because of drought conditions.
The proposed compensation would cover affected urban workers facing income losses linked to the drought. Furthermore, the CPI leader called for relief measures that addressed the difficulties of both rural and urban communities.
He maintained that assistance should extend beyond farmers to agricultural labourers and other vulnerable groups. Kunamneni also warned traders against illegal hoarding and black marketing during the drought.
He alleged that artificial shortages could worsen difficulties for people already facing problems due to the prevailing conditions. The CPI leader said his party would organise raids against traders involved in creating artificial shortages.
Moreover, he warned that the CPI would launch protests if the government failed to take necessary action. He demanded steps to prevent illegal hoarding and ensure the availability of essential commodities.
The Telangana drought-hit state declaration remained a central demand of the CPI, alongside financial assistance and livelihood protection measures.