No welfare scheme has been dropped

Asserting that none of the previous welfare programmes has been dropped, chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has claimed that his government has improved the existing ones and introduced new schemes for the welfare of people.

 Inaugurating a lift irrigation scheme at Akkulapeta village in Amudalavalasa mandal on Friday, the first day of his three-day tour of the district, he said the government had increased the allocation for better implementation of schemes meant for the welfare of SCs, STs, minorities, women and farmers.

 The chief minister said farmers and agriculture remained the top priority of the government which would not compromise when the welfare of farmers mattered. He announced that the state government would take up Indira Jalaprabha to provide irrigation water to 30 lakh acres in the state by 2014.

 Kiran Kumar Reddy said that his government was implementing various welfare programmes for farmers.

Mob attacks cops ahead of CM visit

SEETHAMPET (Srikakulam Tension prevailed here on Friday ahead of chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s arrival when a large number of tribal people gathered to lodge their protest against the lease of Kannedhara Hill for mining.

 Police resorted to lathicharge to control the mob and arrested about 200 tribal people including Kannedhara Porata Committee convener S Mukhalingam.

 The mob, led by Mukhalingam, had gathered here to protest against the sanction of lease for mining on the Kannedhara Hill. They demanded that the CM issue orders cancelling the lease agreement.

 They also protested against his visit

‘Local body elections to be held soon’

ADDAKULAGUDA (Srikakulam): Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Friday declared that the government is very keen on conducting elections for the local bodies in the state.  He also announced his plans to reshuffle the district in-charge ministers shortly.

 Speaking to mediapersons during the Indiramma Bata programme here, the chief minister said the elections of the local bodies were delayed as the issue was pending in the court.  He stated that his aim is to ensure effective implementation of the welfare programmes and bring the Congress party in power in 2014 general election