Hyderabad: The committee constituted by the Telangana government to identify and honour Telangana movement activists held its first meeting at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat on Saturday.
Committee chairman Dr. K. Keshava Rao presided over the meeting. Members including Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Government Whip Addanki Dayakar, MLC Prof. M. Kodandaram, former MLC S. Ramulu Naik and Mothe Shobhan Reddy attended the discussions along with senior officials.
The committee reviewed its terms of reference and discussed the process for collecting information on Telangana movement activists. The government constituted the panel through G.O. Rt. No. 679 issued on May 15.
Telangana movement activists to be identified through transparent process
The committee decided to hold an all-party meeting on June 4 and seek suggestions from representatives of different political parties.
Keshava Rao said the government’s objective is to identify and appropriately honour everyone who directly or indirectly contributed to the Telangana statehood movement. He instructed officials to collect details of martyrs’ families and activists who participated in both phases of the movement.
The committee also discussed eligibility criteria and mechanisms for preparing a transparent list of beneficiaries.
Ponnam Prabhakar said the government intends to recognise Telangana movement activists from all sections of society. He said the process would cover those who faced imprisonment, police cases and other hardships during the movement.
The minister added that intellectuals, artists, writers, employees, journalists, advocates, students, RTC workers and Singareni workers who participated in the movement would also be considered.
According to Ponnam Prabhakar, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy constituted the committee to ensure proper recognition and respect for the services and sacrifices made during the Telangana statehood struggle.
The committee resolved to recommend suitable honours and recognition for individuals who made significant contributions to the movement. The minister said the government aims to complete the exercise transparently and without controversy.
Revenue Secretary Lokesh Kumar, Finance Special Secretary Sikta Patnaik, Home Department Principal Secretary Shikha Goel and other senior officials attended the meeting.