Thaindian News

Hyderabad, Aug 15 (IANS) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Saturday said his government would continue development and welfare schemes despite the global economic slowdown.
Speaking at the official function here to mark India’s 63rd Independence Day, he assured the people that the work on all the irrigation projects would continue. “We will not stop work on a single project due to the slowdown,” he said pointing out that the government has taken up 84 projects to irrigate 10 million acres of land.

YSR, as the chief minister is popularly known, said the slowdown would also not impact the construction of houses for the poor.

“Our only goal is to continue the state’s march on the path of development,” he said after unfurling the national flag and taking the salute of a colourful parade in the twin city of Secunderabad.

Since this was the first Independence Day celebrations after Congress party retained power in the recent elections, YSR thanked the people for once again voting the party to power.

He promised that his government will fulfil the aspirations of people. He also assured them that the government would take all possible steps to check the price rise.

Listing the steps taken by his government during the last five years for the welfare of various sections of people and the measures to provide employment and build sea ports and airports, the chief minister said the government would continue the schemes.

YSR hoped that the Finance Commission would accept the state’s request for additional funds to continue various development and welfare programmes. He also underlined the need to attract more private investment in the state.

The chief minister announced that the government would further strengthen the Rajiv Arogyasri community health insurance scheme.

Referring to the Maoist insurgency, he said the government was successful in tackling extremism and was confident of removing all hurdles in the path of development.

Massive security arrangements were made on the occasion in view of the reported warning by central intelligence agencies that terrorists could carry out attacks during the Independence Day celebrations.

Earlier, the chief minister reviewed the colourful parade of police forces. Various departments highlighted their schemes through tableaux.

Patriotic fervour marked the celebrations across the state. Leader of Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu hoisted the tricolour at NTR Trust Bhavan, the headquarters of main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP).