State dedicated to welfare of workers: YSR

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who is in Shimla, in a special message expressed happiness over the May Day celebrations by all sections of workers in the State. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare and prosperity of workers.

A press release issued by the Chief Minister’s Office quoted Dr. Reddy as stating that the government had launched many schemes like Arogyasri for the welfare of workers of the unorganised sector and lower-income groups. It was dedicated to provide basic needs, like food and shelter, to the poor and workers.
Naidu defends CTS

Meanwhile, TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu has rejected criticism that the cash transfer scheme (CTS), proposed to be introduced by the party if voted to power, will make beneficiaries ‘lazy’.

The CTS would make them strive harder and the families’ economic conditions would improve, he told a meeting organised by the Telugu Nadu Trade Union Council (TNTUC) on the occasion of May Day at the TDP headquarters here.

Mr. Naidu asserted that CTS would change the lives of the poor. Though many welfare schemes were in vogue, their benefits were not reaching the poor because of the presence of middlemen. The proposed scheme would enable the poor to overcome malnutrition and ensure that no family starved.

He said many in the unorganised sector, including construction and beedi workers, would be benefited by the scheme. The TDP leader stated that CTS was planned to render justice to the poor.
Poor-rich divide

He lashed out at the government for ‘neglecting’ the welfare of the poor and widening the poor-rich gulf. Since the poor were unable to own houses, the TDP-led government would provide Rs.1 lakh worth dwelling to each such family.

Mr. Naidu accused the government of ‘ignoring’ all sectors. The situation on the power and drinking water fronts was quite grim. Besides, the common man was hit by the hike in prices of essential commodities. Farmers were not finding buyers for their produce, he said.
Chiru’s message

In a separate message, Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi too greeted workers and said May Day stood as a symbol for workers unity and solidarity.