YSR- an Epitome of Credibility

Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Dr.Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy during his 1475km marathon padayatra in midst of hot summer and thousands of supporters has promised free electricity to farmers if he is elected to power in the year 2003. On 14th May 2004, when he and his Congress party were elected to power he fulfilled his promise and marked his first signature on the Free electricity to farmers' file. This is just one of the many instances where YSR has been a role model for his political peers to keep their promises. 

Born on 8th July 1949, in Pulivendula near Kadapa in the erstwhile Madras province, Reddy was elected four times for the parliament from Kadapa and served five terms as a member of the legislature from his native place Pulivendula. 

Andhra Pradesh made massive strides in all sectors during YSR's tenure which lasted 5 years and 5 months. He balanced both welfare and developmental programs exceptionally. One of his revolutionary ideas was the health insurance scheme which offered free treatment to the poor and needy in any hospital across the state named Rajiv Arogya Shree. Interestingly, the Govt of India launched a similar scheme in 2018 named AYUSHMAN BHARAT which has similar benefits to that of Reddy's scheme. He also pioneered the implementation of free public ambulances 108 and 104 in the country. 

Some of his revolutionary programs include:

- The Pavala Vaddi program provided loans at 3% interest to encourage small businesses and entrepreneurship by rural women.

- Increment of Minimum support price to farmers.

- The building of over 30 lakh houses as part of Indiramma Illu to the homeless in the combined state of Andhra Pradesh.

- Full Fee Reimbursement for every student from the underprivileged background.

Apart from these welfare schemes YSR also started the most important project which would bring joy in the face of farmers and the drought-affected areas the Jala Yagnam which promises to irrigate 10,000,000 acres of land in the state. Major projects like Polavaram, Handri- Neeva, Veligonda, Kaleshwaram, fall under this program. Polavaram project although proposed in 1948 did not move forward till 2004 until YSR during his regime laid the foundation stone, completed nearly 40% of the project, and also asserted the problem of R&R(Rehabilitation).

Apart from these under his leadership, Andhra Pradesh was a role model in the way it implemented the Centre's flagship scheme NREGA( also known as MNREGA).

A noteworthy point to understand is that all the major water projects which are being carried out today in both the Telugu states were a part of the Jala Yagnam. This signifies the Vision and broadmindedness in YSR. All his welfare schemes clearly showcase his empathy for the poor and needy. 

YSR was known for his charisma among the masses and always had a great sense of humor. He was always seen smiling and carried a positive vibe to any platform he was a part of. All the welfare schemes he initiated were formulated during his padayatra where he promised to carry out those programs once he gains power. He fulfilled each one of those and also implemented a few which were not a part of his manifesto. These instances clearly portray YSR as an epitome of credibility.  

On 8th July 2020, the 71st Birth Anniversary of YSR the state government of Andhra Pradesh decided to distribute 8 lakh house pattas to the underprivileged who do not own permanent shelter but was postponed due to legal issues. Govt also decided to commemorate this day as Rhytu Dinotsavam.

Abhishek Reddy

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