Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday sharply criticised the central government for its failure to purchase harvested crops and called upon Left parties to unite against the Centre on procurement issues.
Centre's Procurement Failure
“The Union government is not procuring even 30 percent of the harvested crops. It is only the state government that purchases every single grain cultivated by the farmers. Apart from announcing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, the Centre is doing nothing substantial in procuring paddy, maize, and other crops,” Revanth stated during two separate meetings with CPI and CPM state unit leaders at the Secretariat on Monday.
Meeting with CPM Delegation
In the meeting with the CPM delegation led by state secretary John Wesley, the Chief Minister discussed foodgrain procurement, progress on the Musi Rejuvenation Project, and educational reforms aimed at providing quality education to poorer sections. Revanth informed the CPM leaders about a shortage of Hamalis (loaders) due to elections in West Bengal and noted that prevailing heatwave conditions halted afternoon procurement at centers. He assured continuous review of procurement operations and highlighted that the state government already provides a ₹500 bonus per quintal for fine variety paddy and MSP for maize to support farmers.
Revanth also briefed the CPM leaders on relief measures for those displaced along the Musi river under the Musi Rejuvenation Project. “The government is sanctioning houses for the displaced. The Musi project will transform the riverfront into a world-class tourist destination and generate substantial employment for local youth,” he told the Left party leaders. The Chief Minister strongly objected to the politicization of the Musi project by opposition parties BRS and BJP. The Left leaders were also informed about how Nalgonda district residents are affected by increasing pollution of the Musi river water. “My objective is to provide a quality life to the citizens of the city,” Revanth affirmed.
Revanth added that the entire education sector is being overhauled to deliver quality education to the poor. Initiatives such as nutritious breakfast and midday meals, and establishment of Telangana public schools are part of strengthening the education sector.
Meeting with CPI Delegation
In his meeting with the CPI delegation led by Kothagudem MLA and state unit secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, CM Revanth said the state government is purchasing maize despite financial burden, and criticized the Union government for not procuring the crop.
Both the CPM and CPI delegations thanked the Chief Minister for the hike in minimum wages through the Minimum Wages Amendment Act.
