Hans news service Hanumakonda

GudimallaRavikumar, State chairman of Telangana Agitation Activists and a senior advocate, on Friday urged the government to establish a Rs 5,000-crore special corporation to ensure welfare and social security of those who actively participated in the statehood movement.

Addressing a press conference here, he expressed concern that the government is yet to release an official list of activists who sacrificed their lives, were imprisoned, faced police cases, were bound over, sustained injuries, or actively participated in the movement.

Many activists had hoped their lives would improve after the formation of Telangana, but, instead, faced disappointment. Nearly 1,200 activists had died over the past 12 years due to financial hardship and health issues.

Ravikumar demanded the government extend welfare measures to the activists, including 250 square yard house-site, a monthly pension of Rs 25,000, free bus pass, health insurance, a triple-bedroom house, and 10% reservation in education and employment.

He called for creation of a permanent welfare fund through a Rs 5,000-crore corporation dedicated to welfare of the activists.

He pointed out that States, such as Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, have provided pensions, health cards and reservation benefits to their statehood movement activists, while Telangana has allegedly neglected those who fought for statehood. Just as the Government of India recognised and extended welfare benefits to genuine freedom fighters, the government should provide social security and financial assistance to the activists.

He announced a memorandum containing suggestions on identification and welfare of the activists would be submitted to the KK committee on July 17 on behalf of the activists from the erstwhile Warangal district.