Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has accused the previous BRS government of making thandas gram panchayats in name only, without providing necessary funds or infrastructure. On Wednesday, he announced that the government would build BT roads from tribal habitations to mandal headquarters and four-lane roads from district headquarters to Hyderabad.
Reddy made these remarks while responding to Panchayat Raj Minister D. Anasuya (Seethakka) during a discussion on the development of thandas. He highlighted that there are 72 thandas in his constituency without proper transport facilities. Despite being designated as gram panchayats, these thandas lack power and schools. Many residents have died in accidents due to the lack of proper roads, prompting the decision to construct four-lane roads to Hyderabad.
The Chief Minister assured that all thandas designated as gram panchayats will have BT roads leading to the mandal headquarters. Additionally, drinking water and electricity will be provided. He requested the minister to take MLAs to her constituency to witness the current state of thandas. Reddy criticized the BRS government for failing to provide drinking water to about seven lakh habitats.
“You have made mistakes, and people have taught you a lesson. But still, you have not changed. We can only pray to God to bring change to you,” Reddy remarked.
Earlier, Minister Anasuya mentioned that around 1,851 habitations and thandas across the state had been converted into gram panchayats. The government has been releasing matching grants (SFC) corresponding to Central grants for developmental activities. Panchayats with annual incomes of less than Rs 5 lakh received additional funds to reach this amount. Each gram panchayat has been assigned a secretary and provided with various facilities such as a tractor, trolley, tanker, nursery, Palle Prakruthi Vanam, segregation shed, crematorium, and Telangana Kreeda Pranganam.
