Uttam Assures Priority to Welfare of ex-servicemen

Hyderabad: Irrigation & Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has assured that the Congress Government in Telangana will prioritise the welfare of ex-servicemen by addressing long-standing issues affecting retired soldiers, Veer Naris (widows of soldiers), and their families.

Speaking at the Air Force Association (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) meeting here on Sunday, Uttam Kumar Reddy, himself an Air Force veteran, drew from his personal experiences to connect with the audience. "The life of a soldier is one of sacrifice and service. When they retire, it is our duty as a society and government to ensure their dignity and well-being," he said, receiving a warm response from the gathering.

He recalled his career as a fighter pilot, during which he flew MIG-21 and MIG-23 jets defending India’s borders with China and Pakistan. Uttam Kumar Reddy shared his journey from a 16-year-old cadet at the National Defence Academy to a decorated pilot. "I've noticed that many veterans have faced the same challenges as you do - uncertainties about housing, children’s education, and a lack of recognition. These challenges need urgent solutions," he said.

The minister sharply criticised the previous BRS government for neglecting ex-servicemen, citing their failure to implement welfare provisions of the Central Government and Defence Ministry. He committed to making housing schemes a priority under the Congress Government. Outlining a comprehensive plan, Uttam Kumar Reddy said nearly 2-3 lakh veterans and their families in Telangana would benefit from targeted interventions in housing, education, and financial security. "These are not just promises; they are responsibilities. The Congress Government will act swiftly to deliver on them," he emphasised.

Uttam Kumar Reddy said he would personally oversee the implementation of welfare schemes, drawing from his experience both as a policymaker and as a veteran. "This is personal for me. No veteran or their family will be left behind," he pledged. The Veer Naris and many others in the audience were hopeful about his assurances. For the widows of soldiers, who are often left to grapple with financial and emotional challenges, the minister's commitments came as a relief.

"Our soldiers deserve more than ceremonial salutes on national holidays. They deserve housing, education, respect, and recognition. Under the Congress Government, their welfare will be our top priority," he declared. (NSS)

Govt filled 53,310 posts in 10 months

Meanwhile, the minister told the media persons after reviewing preparations in Peddapalli for the Praja Palana Vijayotsavam Sabha, scheduled to be addressed by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on December 4, he said the event would highlight the State’s achievements in recruitment, job creation, and youth empowerment. He reiterated that the Congress government's commitment to addressing unemployment and empowering youth through extensive recruitment and skill development initiatives. He stated that the government has filled 53,310 posts in the past 10 months, marking a national record for job creation in such a short period.He said CM Revanth Reddy would distribute appointment letters to 593 newly selected employees of SCCL at the meeting. He said during the event, appointment letters would be distributed to some 9,000 individuals, including 8,143 candidates selected under Group IV, 442 Civil Assistant Surgeons, and newly recruited employees in Singareni. The event will also mark one-year of the Congress government, during which several agreements with skill development agencies will be signed, the Digital Employment Exchange will be launched, and initiatives worth hundreds of crores will be announced. Around 40 stalls will be set up at the venue to showcase employment opportunities across various sectors.