BRS leader T. Harish Rao has accused the Congress government of failing to honor pre-poll promises made to the differently-abled community in Telangana.
- BRS leader Harish Rao accused the Congress govt of betraying the differently-abled.
- Key promises like ₹6,000 monthly pension and free RTC travel remain unfulfilled.
- Under BRS, pensions were increased from ₹500 to ₹4,016.
In a scathing attack on the ruling administration, T. Harish Rao, Deputy Floor Leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), alleged that the Congress Government has failed to uphold its commitments toward the differently-abled community. Speaking at a ‘Samara Shankharavam’ event in Hyderabad, Rao claimed that the government has shown zero concern for this vulnerable section of society.
Harish Rao highlighted the stark contrast between the current regime and the previous KCR administration. He noted that during the BRS tenure, the social security pension was significantly enhanced from a mere ₹500 to ₹4,016, ensuring that differently-abled citizens were treated with dignity rather than being viewed simply as a vote bank. He further detailed that approximately ₹54,000 crore was spent on Aasara pensions during the BRS decade, with ₹10,300 crore dedicated specifically to the welfare of differently-abled individuals.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the failure to implement social welfare promises can lead to significant political backlash. In a state like Telangana, where welfare schemes are a cornerstone of political identity, the gap between campaign rhetoric and actual delivery becomes a critical metric for governance.
The Congress government has prioritized political optics over the actual welfare of the most marginalized citizens.
The BRS leader raised several critical questions regarding the status of promises made before the 2023 Assembly elections. These include the promised ₹6,000 monthly pension, free RTC bus travel facilities, and the filling of backlog posts reserved for the differently-abled. Rao pointed out that with approximately 5.11 lakh differently-abled persons in the state, the failure to pay the enhanced pension for 33 months has resulted in a massive debt of roughly ₹66,000 per person.
Historical Background
The welfare of the differently-abled was a priority for the previous administration, which led Telangana to receive a national award in 2015 for its effective implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The KCR government had also institutionalized a 5% reservation in double-bedroom housing and a 4% reservation in education and employment for this community.
| Feature | BRS Era (KCR) | Congress Era (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pension | Increased to ₹4,016 | Promised ₹6,000; implementation pending |
| Reservations | 4% in Education/Jobs | Status unclear/unfulfilled |
| Pension Regularity | Monthly and consistent | Significant arrears reported |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What specific promises did Harish Rao say were broken?
He cited the ₹6,000 monthly pension, free RTC bus travel, and the filling of reserved job vacancies.
2. How much is the pension arrears per person?
According to Rao, the unpaid enhanced pension for the last 33 months amounts to approximately ₹66,000 per person.
