The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Saturday passed two significant bills aimed at amending regulations for public service appointments and rationalizing staff patterns and pay structures. The session also saw the government formally announcing a compassionate appointment for the family of a revered cultural icon.
A Compassionate Gesture for a Cultural Icon
Introducing the bills, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka informed the House that the state government has provided a job to Datta Sai, the son of the late poet and lyricist Andesri. The appointment was made as an assistant professor in a degree college under the higher education department.
The appointment was formalized through Ordinance No. 7 dated November 25, 2025, which received unanimous approval from the Assembly. Bhatti Vikramarka stated that this decision was a humane approach, considering the social and economic challenges faced by the poet's family following his untimely death.
Honoring the Legacy of Andesri
The Deputy CM elaborated on the profound contributions of Andesri, whose original name was Ande Ellayya. Hailing from Reparti village in Siddipet district, Andesri was orphaned young, worked as a cattle herder, and overcame immense hardships to become a celebrated lyricist.
Despite having no formal education, he authored approximately 3,000 poems that vividly depicted the lives of rural Telangana and its marginalized communities. His most iconic contribution was the song 'Jaya Jayahe Telangana,' which played a pivotal role in uniting people during the statehood movement.
Bhatti Vikramarka recalled that the state government, through G.O. No. 783 dated June 2, 2024, had officially declared this song as the state's official anthem. The job for his son aligns with the principles of social justice and reflects the government's commitment to standing by the families of those who dedicated their lives to Telangana's cultural identity.
Broader Recognition and Opposition Demands
The Deputy Chief Minister contrasted the current government's actions with the previous administration, alleging that a political party had used the song extensively during the movement but abandoned the poet afterward. He also listed other recognitions, including honoring balladeer Gaddar, renaming the Nandi Awards as Gaddar Awards, and recognizing artists like Pasham Yadagiri, Jayaraju, Guda Anjanna, and Gorati Venkanna through the cultural department.
During the discussion, BJP MLAs Dhanpal Suryanarayana and Plvai Harish Babu, along with CPI legislator Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, urged the government to extend similar support. They demanded government jobs or pensions for the families of 1,200 Telangana statehood agitation martyrs, as well as for artists and poets who were crucial to the movement, as per Congress election promises. Deputy CM Bhatti assured the House that the government would consider these issues positively.
The passage of the two bills on public service regulation and the compassionate appointment underscore the government's focus on administrative reform and social welfare, while reigniting discussions on fulfilling promises made to the heroes of the Telangana movement.
