Against the backdrop of the general strike in support of separate Telangana demand, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy today appealed to public representatives and employees in the region to work for making welfare programmes a grand success.

Noting that for welfare schemes like 'Indira Jala Prabha', the farmers and women conventions could not be taken up in Telangana region due to the strike, he said the programme will now be organised during the current phase of 'Rachabanda' (village junction) that begins today.

"About 55 lakh people will be benefited in entire Telangana region with an expenditure of Rs 1,300 crore. I urge the public representatives and government employees to participate in the programme and make it a success," he said in his address at the Andhra Pradesh Formation Day celebrations organised here today.

The pro-Telangana employees of the state government observed strike for 42 days from September 13.

The 'Rachabanda' aims at providing various welfare measures like ration cards and pensions to the poor.

Stating that Rs 2,500 crore was spent during the first phase of 'Rachabanda', he said another Rs 3,500 crore will be spent in the current phase of the programme.

Highlighting the new welfare schemes like one rupee per kg rice, irrigation mission, free power and interest-free loans for farmers, he said his government is committed to the development of all regions of the state.

"In addition to the welfare and development programmes being implemented since the last seven years, our government has introduced during the last year schemes like 'Rachabanda' mass-contact programme, education fortnight, 'Rajiv Yuvakiranalu' employment scheme, 'Indira Jala Prabha' irrigation programme, one rupee per kilo rice scheme, interest-free loans upto a loan of Rs one lakh," he said.