Latest news with #PonnamPrabhakar
United News of India
2 hours ago
- Business
- United News of India
Telangana celebrates 200 crore free rides under Maha Lakshmi scheme
Hyderabad, July 23 (UNI) In a major milestone for Telangana's flagship Maha Lakshmi free travel scheme, the state government today celebrated 200 crore free bus journeys made by women in RTC buses, resulting in an estimated Rs 6,680 crore in savings for passengers. Special programmes and public meetings were held at 97 RTC depots and 341 bus stations across Telangana to mark the achievement. In Hyderabad, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka participated in the celebrations held at MGBS, with Ministers Ponnam Prabhakar and Komatireddy Venkata Reddy also in attendance. Speaking at the event, Deputy CM Vikramarka said the RTC had turned a corner since the launch of the Maha Lakshmi scheme on December 9, 2023, coinciding with the formation of the new government. 'Earlier, RTC was called a sinking boat. Today, it is a profit-making government institution,' he said. The state has so far paid Rs 6,680 crore to RTC to cover the fare for 200 crore women passengers. The Deputy CM added that the scheme has not only empowered women through free travel but has also boosted RTC's operations. 'Prior to the scheme, RTC's occupancy ratio stood at 62 per cent. Today, it has surged to 97 per cent. Daily passenger numbers have increased from 45 lakh to 65 lakh.' Highlighting efforts to make Hyderabad a pollution-free city, Vikramarka announced that RTC is transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles. Orders have been placed for 3,000 electric buses, and 11 per cent of these have already been delivered. The goal is to replace 2,800 buses in Hyderabad with electric ones. Since the scheme's launch, the government has purchased 2,400 new buses and introduced new policies through the Transport Department. Further empowering women, the government has enabled women's associations to own RTC buses through interest-free loans. 'We recently handed over cheques of Rs 1 crore each to women's groups who now own RTC buses. Petrol stations are also being set up by them,' he said. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar recalled the official launch of the scheme in the Legislative Assembly and congratulated women on completing 200 crore free journeys. He credited the dedication of RTC drivers and conductors for the successful implementation of the programme. Minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy noted that the scheme was rolled out within two days of the government assuming office. He said, 'Women are now travelling freely wherever they wish, thanks to this revolutionary scheme. We are also investing heavily in road infrastructure to improve connectivity.' He added that starting next month, the government will begin work on double-lane roads from villages to mandal and district centres, as part of a Rs 20,000 crore road development plan aimed at transforming transportation in the state. The Maha Lakshmi scheme, designed to provide free travel for women on state-run buses, is now being hailed as a social and economic game-changer for Telangana. UNI VV RKM
New Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Telangana minister Ponnam Prabhakar accuses BJP of trying to block enhanced BC quota
HYDERABAD: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday alleged that the BJP was once again conspiring to thwart implementation of enhanced BC reservations. The minister was responding to state BJP president N Ramchander Rao's claim that it is not feasible to include BC reservations in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. 'It is very much possible if Telangana BJP MPs belonging to BC communities quit their posts to support this cause,' Prabhakar said. In a statement issued here, the minister, who is also a BC leader, alleged that Ramchander Rao has once again revealed the BJP's 'real stand' on BCs and reservations. 'Tamil Nadu had successfully implemented a similar reservation structure in the past, setting a precedent,' he said. Prabhakar said that states have the authority to enhance reservations if they have credible empirical data. Telangana, he noted, has followed due process — conducting a comprehensive survey, securing Cabinet approval, and forwarding the proposal to the Centre for inclusion in the Ninth Schedule. The minister also accused the BJP of lacking consistency, recalling how the party justified exceeding the 50% cap during the introduction of EWS quota. He further alleged that the BJP's leadership structure itself reflects discrimination, having failed to elevate BC leaders to key positions like legislative party leader in the Assembly and state unit chief. Calling upon BC communities across Telangana to unite and resist what he termed as BJP's conspiracy, the minister affirmed the Congress' commitment to social justice, highlighting the appointments of a BC leader as TPCC president and an SC leader as the deputy CM in the current Congress government in the state.
Hans India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Congress chides BJP over BC reservation remarks
Hyderabad: The ruling Congress party has vehemently criticised the state president of the BJP following his comments suggesting it was 'impossible' to increase Backward Classes (BCs) reservation to 42% and include it in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Government Whip Aadi Srinivas, MLA Beerla Ilaiah, and numerous other Congress leaders condemned the remarks as an attempt by the BJP to obstruct progress on the reservation issue at both national and state levels. Minister Prabhakar asserted that the newly appointed BJP state president was 'revealing his true colours' shortly after assuming office. He expressed strong reservations over the claims, demanding an explanation for the assertion that a 42% increase in BC reservation and its inclusion in the Ninth Schedule were unachievable. Prabhakar reminded critics that similar action was successfully undertaken in neighbouring Tamil Nadu in the past. He challenged BJP MPs representing Telangana to resign if they truly believed the reservations could not be implemented, stating, 'We will see why the reservations are not implemented.' Pointing to the successful completion of the caste census, the Minister suggested that with credible state-level information, such a move was indeed possible. 'That is why the state government has conducted the survey and is awaiting Centre's decision for constitutional amendments and President's approval,' he stated. The Minister emphasised that the decision ultimately rests with the central government, reiterating the state government's commitment to 42% reservations. He urged all BC communities and caste groups in Telangana to 'observe the true nature of the BJP' and actively participate in safeguarding the reservation process. Prabhakar also noted that according to credible reports, the information regarding reservations is currently before the Supreme Court. He expressed a lack of faith in the BJP delivering justice to BCs, citing the party's failure to appoint a BC as its own state president. He concluded that 'social justice is possible only with the Congress.'
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Anti-BC mindset of BJP exposed: Ponnam Prabhakar and BC leaders of Congress
Congress leaders, led by BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, came down heavily on BJP Telangana State president Ramachander Rao for his remarks that 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) cannot be included in the Ninth Schedule due to legal issues. Mr. Prabhakar accused the BJP president of exposing the party's anti-BC mindset and of conspiring against the interests of BC communities in Telangana. Questioning Mr. Rao's claims, the Minister reminded that Tamil Nadu already has higher reservations and protected through inclusion in the Ninth Schedule. The Minister pointed out that the Supreme Court, in the landmark Indira Sawhney case, clearly held that if a State has empirical data and authentic surveys, it is empowered to take decisions on reservations. 'Telangana government has conducted a scientific survey and, with the approval of the Cabinet, Legislature and the Governor, has placed its proposals before the Centre,' he said. MLC Addanki Dayakar said the statement of Mr. Rao reflects the BJP's feudal mindset and their disinterest in ensuring 42% reservations. Other BC leaders, Chanagani Dayakar, Indira Shobhan, Gouri Satish, Keturi Venkatesh and Lingam Yadav in separate press conferences said the BJP will not be spared if it fails to ensure the reservations are implemented.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
RTC to celebrate 200 crore free tickets worth thousands of crores under Maha Lakshmi scheme: Ponnam Prabhakar
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (RTC) has crossed a remarkable milestone under the Maha Lakshmi Scheme with 200 crore free tickets availed by the women who have been provided free bus travel by the government. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar stated that women have saved an estimated ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 per month so far, and the government has already released ₹6,700 crore to the RTC for reimbursement of this free travel. 'This has ensured that the scheme runs smoothly without causing financial burden on the RTC,' he said. He stated that the government remains committed to protecting the interests of RTC, ensuring passenger safety and promoting employee welfare. 'Through this scheme, we are not just providing free travel but opening up opportunities for women from rural and remote areas to pursue employment, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship in cities,' the Minister said. Launched on December 9, 2023, the day the Congress assumed power, the Maha Lakshmi scheme was an election promise implemented from the first day itself. To mark this historic occasion, the Minister has called for grand celebrations and special programmes on Wednesday, at 97 RTC depots and 341 bus stations across Telangana. Mr. Prabhakar said the government has planned inspirational speeches by women beneficiaries from various walks of life, including vegetable vendors, employees, teachers, students, businesswomen, patients and pilgrims, sharing their personal experiences of how free travel has positively impacted their lives. Five best drivers, conductors, traffic guides and security personnel at each depot will be felicitated for their exceptional service and contribution to the success of the scheme, he said. Competitions for school and college students, such as essay writing, rangoli and painting on topics like Women Empowerment and Maha Lakshmi free travel scheme were being held and prizes would be awarded to the winners.
