In just one year under the Congress government, Telangana has witnessed an alarming rise in suicides among farmers, students, weavers, and auto drivers. Of the 621 farmer deaths recorded, 347 were suicides attributed to financial distress, unfulfilled promises like crop loan waiver, and stalled initiatives like Rythu Bandhu.
Small and marginal farmers, already struggling due to untimely rains and procurement delays, now face added woes from erratic electricity supply. Reports indicate that 232 farmers lost their lives to electric shocks, while 17 others succumbed to snake bites while working in the fields at night.
The education sector is facing a tragic crisis, with 355 student deaths reported this year. A staggering 325 suicides were linked to academic pressure, financial hardship, and harassment. Food poisoning incidents in residential schools have claimed five lives, while 11 deaths remain suspicious.
Despite these alarming numbers, the government has shown no urgency to address the issues. Telangana remains without a dedicated education minister, leaving students and their families feeling abandoned and unheard.
The once-thriving handloom sector in Telangana is now in disarray. The Congress government halted orders for Bathukamma sarees and school uniforms, leaving thousands of weavers jobless.
In Rajanna Sircilla district alone, 28 handloom workers have taken their own lives, reflecting the dire state of the industry. Without government support, the weavers face starvation and despair.
The introduction of free bus travel for women has severely impacted the livelihoods of auto drivers. Many now struggle to earn even a basic income, with daily earnings barely covering diesel expenses. Overwhelmed by debt and neglect, 89 auto drivers have resorted to usurious loans, with over 20 suicides reported in February alone.
Former sarpanches are grappling with financial distress as the government has halted bill payments for completed works. The inability to pay off loans and mounting interest rates has led to mental anguish and deaths due to heart attacks. Six former sarpanches have died this year, highlighting their plight.
Telangana, which stood resilient for a decade, now finds itself in a state of turmoil. Farmers, students, weavers, auto drivers, and former sarpanches bear the brunt of administrative failures and broken promises.
The lack of proactive measures and accountability has left these groups struggling for survival.