Minister Seethakka Rebuts Opposition Allegations on Mission Bhagiratha and Pension Schemes
Hyderabad: In a robust defense of the state government's rural development initiatives, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister D Anasuya, popularly known as Seethakka, has categorically dismissed opposition criticism regarding the Mission Bhagiratha project and Cheyutha pensions. The minister asserted that the allegations of negligence are unfounded and provided detailed financial data to counter the claims.
Substantial Funding Allocated for Mission Bhagiratha
Responding to allegations from BRS MLA Sunitha Laxma Reddy about delayed fund releases for the Mission Bhagiratha drinking water project, Minister Seethakka revealed that the government has allocated a substantial 563.3 crore rupees for the scheme since assuming power in 2023. She emphasized that "it is incorrect to claim that funds are not being released", noting that 450 crore rupees has already been expended in the current financial year (2025-26) alone.
Proactive Summer Preparedness Measures
The minister outlined comprehensive summer preparedness strategies, including a special drive conducted between February 1 and 28 to identify and address potential issues. "These identified problems will be systematically executed from April 1 to 15 to ensure minimal water disruptions during the peak summer months", she explained. Seethakka accused the previous BRS administration of misleading the public by claiming 100% completion of Mission Bhagiratha without actually finishing the project.
Addressing Legacy Issues from Previous Administration
Regarding pending bills owed to sarpanches, the minister placed full responsibility on the previous BRS regime. "All accumulated pending bills are a legacy we inherited from the BRS administration and do not pertain to works executed during our tenure", she stated. However, demonstrating commitment to resolving these inherited issues, the government has cleared bills worth 318 crore rupees to date, ensuring former sarpanches are not penalized for the previous administration's shortcomings.
Clarification on Cheyutha Pension Management
Minister Seethakka firmly denied allegations of arbitrary pension cancellations, clarifying that suspensions only occur after thorough verification in specific cases. "We have suspended pensions only for deceased individuals or those drawing multiple pensions, following comprehensive verification of all relevant details", she affirmed. The government has sanctioned pensions to one lakh new beneficiaries and budget proposals include provisions for an additional two lakh beneficiaries in the next fiscal year (2026-27).
Substantial Monthly Pension Expenditure
The state government is currently disbursing 932 crore rupees monthly, amounting to 11,176 crore rupees annually, to provide pensions to 42 lakh beneficiaries across Telangana. This significant financial commitment underscores the administration's dedication to social welfare despite the opposition's criticism.
Minister Seethakka concluded by accusing the BRS of attempting to deceive the public through factual distortions and emphasized her government's corrective measures to address past administrative errors while implementing proactive solutions for current challenges.
