Oppn attacks TRS govt over 'non-implementation' of promises

The debate on the 2016-17 budget generated heat in the Telangana Legislative Assembly today with the opposition Congress, BJP and TDP attacking the TRS government over the alleged non-implementation of its promises, with the latter putting up a strong defence. Congress MLA M Bhatti Vikramarka alleged that the farmers turned to private lenders as they were not getting fresh loans from banks due to the implementation of loan waiver scheme in installments. He also criticised the government for poor or non-implementation of other promises of TRS, including free and compulsory education from 'KG to PG', distribution of three acres of land to SCs, double-bed room houses for poor, and SC/ST sub-plan. MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, who supported the Rs 1,30,415.87 crore budget presented on March 14, wondered if it is true that the government sought to take loans from the BRICS Bank and others to fund some of its flagship programmes like double-bed room houses. He sought that the benefits extended to SC/STs in education and employment be given to minorities as well. He urged the government for protecting Waqf properties. Referring to the government's move to construct new buildings for Legislative Assembly and Secretariat, Owaisi said it can be taken up later and the funds meant for them can be used for welfare and development programmes. Talking about the reported proposal to hike the salaries of MLAs and MLCs, he said he might not need such a hike for himself. He, however, said the salaries should be on par with legislators in other states and that ex-legislators should be taken care of. .