The newly inducted Congress government in Telangana wasted no time in delivering on its electoral commitments, swiftly initiating free bus services for women and elevating health insurance limits within days of taking office. However, the state’s economic challenges cast a shadow over the feasibility of fulfilling all pre-poll pledges.
The implementation, marked by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s prompt actions within the first two days of assuming office, saw the launch of free bus rides for women and a substantial increase in health insurance coverage to ₹10 lakh. The unveiling aligned with Sonia Gandhi’s birthday, signifying the party’s dedication to expeditiously honor its assurances.
The significance of this move resonated deeply among the populace, particularly among college students like Sara and her peers, who expressed elation at the prospect of free transportation. “This is very thrilling and useful not just for young students and professionals but also for older women,” shared Sara. Pooja Yadav, another college student, emphasized its impact on empowering young girls from middle-class backgrounds to travel without financial concerns.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy articulated the government’s commitment to realizing Telangana’s potential as a state devoted to the welfare and development of its people. Referencing Sonia Gandhi’s instrumental role in the formation of Telangana, Reddy likened her impact to that of a nurturing mother fulfilling the aspirations of the populace.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, expressing jubilation, highlighted the government’s swift action in fulfilling two promises within days, emphasizing the newfound accessibility for women to travel on buses free of charge.
However, the financial implications loom large as the free rides in government buses pose a daily expense of up to ₹6 crore and an annual burden of approximately ₹2,500 crore on the state exchequer. This poses a considerable challenge for the government in meeting its remaining pre-poll commitments, prompting Senior Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy to criticize the previous administration for allegedly depleting the state’s finances.
Amid these financial strains, the Congress government plans to issue a white paper detailing the transition from surplus to substantial debts between 2014 and 2023, shedding light on the state’s economic trajectory.
As the new government races against financial constraints to honor its commitments, the prompt implementation of these promises underscores their dedication to catalyzing change in Telangana.
Sources By Agencies