Hyderabad: Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the government would develop Ramakrishnapur model village with improved roads, water, civic facilities and welfare coverage. Ponnam visited Ramakrishnapur in Elkathurthi mandal of Hanumakonda district under the “Palle Palleku Ponnam Anna – Palle Pallelo Praja Palana” programme.
During a meeting at the Gram Panchayat, he received petitions from villagers on various local problems. The minister discussed the grievances with officials and directed them to immediately address issues that could be resolved.
He also announced several measures covering the Gram Panchayat building, drinking water, ration distribution, roads and community infrastructure. Ramakrishnapur had recently become a separate Gram Panchayat. Therefore, Ponnam announced immediate approval for construction of a new Panchayat office building.
Villagers also sought development of the Hanuman and Pochamma temples, internal CC roads and completion of the road from Thimmapur. Additionally, residents requested a water plant and community hall.
Ponnam responded positively to these requests and said a water plant would be established in the village. He also directed officials to arrange a ration shop in Ramakrishnapur. As a result, residents would not have to travel to a neighbouring village for ration supplies.
The minister instructed the Sarpanch to begin Pochamma temple works from the following day without further delay.
Pensions and housing reviewed in Ramakrishnapur
Ponnam said 50 people in the village were receiving pensions worth ₹14.97 lakh. Under the first phase of the Indiramma housing programme, two houses had been sanctioned. Construction of both houses had been completed.
The minister said more eligible families would receive Indiramma houses in the second phase. He also said the government had begun the process for sanctioning new pensions.
Eligible residents were asked to submit applications by August 31. Ponnam said widows, single women, persons with disabilities, toddy tappers and handloom workers could apply.
He also referred to eligible people affected by filariasis, thalassemia and HIV, besides other patients covered by the pension criteria.
Welfare benefits reach families and farmers
Ponnam said 52 families had received 200 units of free electricity, with benefits valued at ₹40.39 lakh. Meanwhile, ₹6.50 lakh had been released towards the ₹500 gas subsidy for 65 families.
Steps had also been taken to provide interest-free and bank-linked loans to women’s self-help groups. The minister said 610 farmers had received ₹55.89 lakh under Rythu Bharosa.
Two farmers had received ₹10 lakh under Rythu Bima. Furthermore, ₹4.08 lakh had been provided under the farm loan waiver programme. Another ₹25.50 lakh had been released as bonus payments for fine paddy.
Eight newly eligible residents had received ration cards. Of 20 applications received under Bhu Bharati, officials had resolved eight. The government had also distributed three Kalyana Lakshmi cheques without keeping them pending, Ponnam said.
Ramakrishnapur model village to focus on health, sanitation
Ponnam asked villagers to undergo regular health examinations. He also directed officials to focus on sanitation and take preventive measures against seasonal diseases. As part of efforts to make the constituency plastic-free, the minister urged every village to use steel banks.
He said 289 women’s groups across 173 villages had received sets containing 13 types of steel items. The groups received kits in quantities of 300, 400 and 500. Ponnam asked residents to use steel bank utensils instead of plastic items at functions.
The initiative formed another component of the broader Ramakrishnapur model village development approach. Under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, 37 houses in Ramakrishnapur were set to receive solar power.
Ponnam encouraged more eligible residents to take advantage of the scheme. He also asked farmers to consider oil palm cultivation and develop alternative sources of income.
Under the “Jala Siri” programme, the minister urged households to construct recharge pits on their premises. He also suggested installing borewell injection points to improve groundwater recharge.
Ponnam said the government would make every effort to develop the small village across different sectors and turn it into a model. Sarpanch Bontha Ramesh attended the programme along with district and mandal officials. Representatives of women’s groups and villagers also participated in the outreach programme.