The Minister said oil palm cultivation had been taken up across 15,820 acres benefiting 4,785 farmers
Siddipet
The sacrifices of brave freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation are the foundation of the freedom enjoyed by the people today, said State Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar. He conveyed Independence Day greetings to the people of Siddipet district and stressed the importance of remembering the contributions of those who fought for India’s freedom.
As part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar hoisted the National Flag at the Siddipet Police Commissionerate Parade Grounds, received the police guard of honour and inspected the ceremonial parade. He later felicitated freedom fighters and recalled their invaluable contribution to the nation.
The Minister said the state government was implementing development and welfare programmes with the objectives of freedom, social justice and equal opportunities under people-oriented and transparent governance. He said the government was committed to ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes reached all sections of society.
Speaking about agriculture, Prabhakar said ₹1,476 crore had been deposited under Rythu Bharosa for 3.25 lakh farmers in the district, while ₹155 crore had been provided so far under Rythu Bima to the families of 3,104 farmers. He urged farmers to adopt crops requiring less water. He said additional TMC works from Mid Manair to Mallanasagar were being taken up at a cost of ₹14,402 crore, while 56 percent of the main canal works of the Gouravelli project had been completed.
The Minister said oil palm cultivation had been taken up across 15,820 acres benefiting 4,785 farmers, while an oil palm factory established at Narmeta at a cost of ₹300 crore had commenced operations. He said free rice was being distributed at the rate of 6,652 metric tonnes every month since April 2025. During Rabi 2025-26, 5,18,036 metric tonnes of paddy was procured from 1,17,683 farmers, with ₹1,228 crore paid to them.
On welfare and social development, the Minister said the Aarogyasri coverage had been increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh, with 163 additional diseases included under the scheme. He said 11,839 Indiramma houses had been sanctioned for the district, with construction commenced on 10,754 houses.
Under the Mahalaxmi scheme, 9,93 crore free journeys had been availed by women since December 15, 2023, resulting in savings of ₹386 crore, he said. Under Gruha Jyothi, 2,06,044 beneficiaries had received support through a subsidy of ₹181 crore.
Ponnam Prabhakar thanked the people, public representatives, officials and police personnel for their contribution to the development of Siddipet district. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking the district further along the path of development.
District Collector K. Haimavathi, Police Commissioner Sadhana Rashmi Perumal, Additional Collector Lakshmi Kiran, district officials, public representatives, students and women from self-help groups participated in the Independence Day celebrations.
