Hyderabad: Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the Samata Kitchen Telangana initiative reflects the government’s focus on inclusive development and welfare delivery to all sections.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the Samata Kitchen at the Collectorate as part of the Praja Palana – Pragati Plan (99 Days Programme). Anil Kumar Yadav, Danam Nagender and Harichandana Dasari attended the event along with representatives of a voluntary organisation.
The minister said development of all sections constitutes overall state development. He stated that the Samata Kitchen Telangana programme aims to create livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities, transgender persons and other marginalised groups.
He emphasised that integrating vulnerable sections into economic activity would strengthen financial independence. As a result, he said the initiative supports both welfare and long-term empowerment.
Samata Kitchen Telangana initiative promotes inclusive development
During the event, officials distributed financial assistance of ₹75,000 each to six transgender beneficiaries under an economic rehabilitation scheme. In addition, they provided battery-operated wheelchairs worth ₹1.18 lakh to five persons with disabilities.
The minister said the Samata Kitchen Telangana initiative had already generated employment for six transgender persons and one person with a disability. He added that the government remains committed to ensuring welfare schemes reach every eligible beneficiary.
Referring to policy direction, he said the administration was working in line with the vision of A. Revanth Reddy to expand welfare coverage.
Providing official data, he said Telangana has around 10.47 lakh persons with disabilities and nearly 10 lakh elderly persons, based on the 2011 Census. He added that Hyderabad district alone accounts for about two lakh elderly residents.
He said authorities had issued over 50,000 SADAREM certificates and 5,000 UDID cards. Additionally, pensions are being provided to 29,902 persons with disabilities, while 404 transgender persons have received identity cards in the district.
Meanwhile, Anil Kumar Yadav said transgender persons are an integral part of society and assured support for the initiative through MPLADS funds. Danam Nagender noted increasing employment opportunities for transgender persons, including roles as traffic volunteers, and called for greater representation in governance.
Harichandana Dasari said the administration was focusing on sustainable livelihood models alongside welfare support. She added that skill development programmes tailored to individual interests were being implemented to improve employment prospects.