Latest news with #RajivAarogyasri
Hans India
3 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Telangana Gears Up to Meet Future Power Demand, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Highlights Government's Proactive Energy Initiatives
Mahabubnagar: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, speaking at a public meeting in Nawabpet following the inauguration of new 33/11 kV substations in Jadcherla constituency, underscored the Telangana government's strategic efforts to meet the growing power demand and position the state for future energy needs. Addressing concerns raised by political opponents before the elections about possible power shortages under Congress rule, the Deputy CM asserted that the state is now moving beyond mere uninterrupted supply towards achieving surplus electricity generation. Bhatti Vikramarka highlighted the remarkable increase in Telangana's electricity demand as a positive indicator of industrial growth and rising living standards. He pointed out that during the last year of TRS governance in March 2023, the peak power demand was 15,497 megawatts. However, under Congress administration, by March 2025, this figure rose sharply to 17,162 megawatts, an increase of nearly 2,000 megawatts. Despite this surge, he proudly stated, there has not been a single interruption in power supply. Looking ahead, the Deputy CM revealed that by 2035, Telangana's power demand is projected to reach 33,775 megawatts. To meet this anticipated growth, the government has already laid out comprehensive plans to expand production capacity and enhance distribution infrastructure, ensuring that the state's energy supply keeps pace with its development goals. He emphasized the vital role that reliable and abundant power plays in attracting global investors, affirming that Telangana is well-equipped to provide industry and businesses with the electricity required to compete on the world stage. The Deputy CM further reiterated that no external conspiracy can halt Telangana's rise, emphasizing that only a government focused on people's welfare can ensure sustainable development. Addressing welfare schemes, Bhatti Vikramarka noted that 90 lakh families are currently benefiting from government programs such as free 200 units of electricity per household and subsidized fine rice distribution, policies that are unique to Telangana in the country. He highlighted increased diet allowances for schoolchildren, extensive fee reimbursements for higher education, and free healthcare coverage up to ₹10 lakh under the Rajiv Aarogyasri scheme. Youth unemployment is being tackled through government job recruitment and self-employment initiatives under the 'Rajiv Yuva Vikasam' program. The Deputy CM also reaffirmed the government's commitment to farmers by noting direct loan waivers for those with loans up to ₹2 lakh, cash support of ₹12,000 under Rythu Bharosa, and similar assistance for landless agricultural laborers. Housing support is extended to the homeless with ₹5 lakh grants, while monthly pensions are disbursed to the elderly and widows. He proudly mentioned that promises made during the pre-election 'People's March' padayatra, such as ₹70 crore compensation for farmers affected by the Udandapur reservoir project, are being fulfilled promptly under the Congress government. Bhatti Vikramarka also took a strong stand against the previous TRS government's record, accusing it of symbolic gestures without real progress, citing that irrigation projects like Palamuru-Rangareddy, initiated in 2015, failed to deliver water to even a single acre despite a decade passing. In contrast, he credited Congress with making major irrigation projects between Jurala and Srisailam a reality, further enhancing Telangana's agricultural prospects.
The Hindu
30-05-2025
- The Hindu
Facial recognition devices for Cheyutha pensions
In a effort to disburse social security pensions more efficiently, and curb potential fund leakages, the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) is set to procure over 6,000 facial recognition devices, in line with the latest guidelines issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The guidelines, which came into effect earlier this year, recommend the phasing out of devices with older configurations, and encourage the adoption of newer device specifications. The facial recognition-based authentication is intended for the Cheyutha social security pension scheme, which provides funds to widows, handloom and beedi workers, patients undergoing dialysis or affected by filariasis, as well as individuals diagnosed with AIDS. The scheme also extends health insurance cover of ₹10 lakh under the Rajiv Aarogyasri initiative. The devices, either mobile phones or tablets, will be deployed across districts, with SERP planning to integrate facial recognition technology developed by a vendor of its choosing. Digital rights researcher and privacy activist Srinivas Kodali issued a word of caution. He said that any government must ensure transparency in the implementation of such technology. 'Authorities must inform people whose photographs are being collected for facial recognition purposes. With the UIDAI and other authorities now using facial recognition for other identification checks, people should be made aware of why their photo is being taken and be informed of their right to privacy,' he said. S.Q. Masood, who is a petitioner in a case in the Telangana High Court challenging the use of facial recognition by law enforcement agencies, also issued a word of caution. 'Government departments must consider challenges such as internet connectivity, infrastructural limitations, and environmental conditions that could affect the reliability of facial recognition systems. Unless these systems are 100% accurate, there is a real risk of beneficiaries being excluded or inconvenienced,' he said.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health card facility extended to orphans, needy children under Aarogyasri scheme
Hyderabad: The state govt on Saturday extended the health card facility under its flagship Rajiv Aarogyasri health insurance scheme to 2,215 orphans, semi-orphans, and children under the below poverty line (BPL) category residing at the Child Care Institutions (CCI) in the city. The initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers for these children and ensure timely access to quality healthcare. It is also expected to improve survival and recovery rates among them during serious medical conditions. The new initiative will provide healthcare access to a total of 1,857 children from govt and private CCIs, 293 from service homes, and 65 from collegiate homes. Of the 2,215 children, there are 1,545 girls and 670 boys. While 641 are orphans, 1,103 are semi-orphans with one parent, and 471 are from the BPL category. Among the beneficiaries, there are some differently-abled children as well. The beneficiaries will receive cashless treatments up to 10 lakh for over 1,835 crucial treatments and will have access to over 90 empanelled govt and private hospitals. Under the process, which started on Saturday, a new 'orphan card' option was introduced under the eligibility criteria on the Aarogyasri patient registration portal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Zumbido e perda de audição? Médico revela técnica caseira de 1 real para aliviar! Zumbido no ouvido Undo Each child's Aadhar card was linked to the Aarogyasri cards to access the treatment. On the occasion, women and child welfare minister D Seethakka and transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar distributed the cards among the children and had lunch with them. Seethakka said that it was the responsibility of the district administrations to support the children who lose their parents due to a tragedy or some other reason. She added that the govt will provide 4,500 per month to anyone who helps and takes care of the orphans. Hyderabad district collector Anudeep Durishetty said that the move would help these children who were earlier excluded from the Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Insurance Scheme and, as a result, lacked access to free secondary and tertiary medical care, despite being highly vulnerable due to the absence of familial and financial support. The transport minister said that it was a historic moment as Aarogyasri orphan cards will be distributed to orphans for the first time in the country. He added that the govt will also improve the situation of the CCIs in the coming days.
