Hyderabad: Roads and Buildings and Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy hoisted the national flag at the 80th Nalgonda Independence Day celebrations. He also outlined welfare and development programmes underway in the district.
The district administration organised the celebrations at the Police Parade Ground in Nalgonda. Komatireddy attended as the chief guest and received the guard of honour from police personnel.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said India achieved independence through the sacrifices of numerous national leaders and freedom fighters. Moreover, he said the spirit of independence required citizens to work honestly for national development and act responsibly towards society.
Nalgonda Independence Day recalls history of struggles
Komatireddy recalled Nalgonda district’s role in the freedom movement and the Telangana armed struggle. He described the district as a symbol of struggle, sacrifice, rebellion and self-respect.
The minister remembered Chakali Ilamma, Ravi Narayana Reddy, Arutla Ramachandra Reddy and Arutla Kamaladevi. He also recalled Bommagani Dharma Bhiksham and other leaders associated with the region’s struggles.
“Nalgonda is my breath. I will work as long as I live to fulfil your hopes and aspirations,” Komatireddy said. He pledged to address Nalgonda’s water problems and work to place the district at the forefront of development.
The minister also recalled resigning from his ministerial position during the movement for Telangana statehood. He said political power was temporary, while struggles and sacrifices for people remained part of history.
Nalgonda Independence Day address details welfare figures
Komatireddy highlighted several programmes that the Congress government had undertaken after assuming office. He referred to farm loan waivers, Rythu Bharosa, Mahalakshmi and Indiramma housing. In addition, he highlighted Gruha Jyothi, fine rice distribution, healthcare, education, roads and drinking water programmes.
In Nalgonda district, the government had deposited Rs 715 crore under Rythu Bharosa for 5.35 lakh farmers, he said. Meanwhile, 1.99 lakh beneficiaries had received Cheyutha pensions involving a monthly outlay of Rs 51.28 crore.
The government had sanctioned 17,873 Indiramma houses in the district. Of these, beneficiaries had completed 4,360 houses. Under Gruha Jyothi, 2.56 lakh families had received zero electricity bills.
Komatireddy said Rajiv Aarogyasri had provided healthcare services to 38,403 poor people at a cost of Rs 119.11 crore. Women had recorded 8.73 crore free RTC journeys, resulting in benefits worth Rs 408.20 crore, he said. Furthermore, the government had supplied fine rice to 5.42 lakh families and issued 81,279 new ration cards.
Nalgonda Independence Day speech focuses on infrastructure
Komatireddy also detailed road, drinking water, education and power projects. The State had launched HAM projects worth Rs 13,006 crore to develop 441 roads covering 6,092 km across Telangana.
In Nalgonda town, the government had laid the foundation for an Rs 83 crore project aimed at providing round-the-clock drinking water. Additionally, it had sanctioned another Rs 300 crore for the town.
The government had also planned Young India Integrated Residential Schools in every Assembly constituency at Rs 200 crore each. For youth, authorities had established an NAC Skill Development Centre at a cost of Rs 20 crore.
Komatireddy said four units at the Yadadri Thermal Power Station had started generating electricity. He said his goal was to transform Nalgonda from a district known for historic struggles into a model for development in Telangana.
“Before the sacrifices of the martyrs, I promise as your son that I will place Nalgonda at the forefront,” Komatireddy said. The Nalgonda Independence Day programme combined the ceremonial flag hoisting with a review of the district’s welfare and development initiatives.