Cilarapu Damodar Raja Narasimha, a seasoned politician and influential leader, currently serves as the Health and Medical Cabinet Minister of Telangana. With a career spanning decades, Minister Narasimha is renowned for his unwavering dedication to advancing public health and improving the lives of Telangana’s citizens. In this blog post, we’ll explore his background, notable accomplishments, and the innovative strategies he’s implementing to propel Telangana’s healthcare system into the future.
Early Life and Political Journey of Damodar Raja Narasimha
Born on December 5, 1958, Damodar Raja Narasimha entered the world of politics with a resolute commitment to serving his community. Throughout his career, he has held vital ministerial portfolios, including Higher Education and Agriculture, while representing the Andole constituency as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA). His rise to Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (2011-2014) marked a pivotal point in his trajectory, further emphasizing his leadership capabilities.
Family Background of C. Damodar Raja Narasimha
Cilarapu Damodar Raja Narasimha hails from a politically influential family in the Medak district of Telangana. His father, Cilarapu Raja Narasimha, held prominence as a Congress politician and served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Andole constituency for three terms. It was his father’s commitment to public service that inspired Damodar Raja Narasimha to embark on his own political journey.
Damodar Raja Narasimha is married to Padmini Reddy, and they have a daughter named Thrisha. His family serves as a pillar of strength as he assumes the demanding responsibilities of Telangana’s Health Minister.
Political Career of Damodar Raja Narasimha
Damodar Raja Narasimha enjoys a long and prominent political career within the Indian National Congress (INC) party, marked by his dedication to serving the people of Telangana. His trajectory includes the following highlights:
- Legislative Beginnings: Damodar Raja Narasimha’s political journey began with his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing the Andole constituency. Following in the footsteps of his father, he gained firsthand experience addressing the needs of his constituents.
- Ministerial Portfolios (Andhra Pradesh): His rising influence and skill were recognized with his appointment as Minister for Primary Education in the cabinet of YS Rajasekhar Reddy in 2004. His successful track record led to his appointment as Minister for Marketing and Warehousing in 2009.
- Deputy Chief Minister: 2011 marked a significant turning point as Damodar Raja Narasimha was appointed Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. This elevated role underscored his political acumen and capacity to manage responsibilities at the highest level. He served in this role until 2014.
- Continued Representation of Andole: Damodar Raja Narasimha has maintained a strong connection with his roots, continuously representing the Andole constituency throughout his career.
- Health Minister of Telangana: Following the formation of Telangana, Damodar Raja Narasimha took on the crucial portfolio of Health and Medical Cabinet Minister in December 2023. This role places him at the forefront of shaping the state’s healthcare infrastructure, policies, and initiatives.
Focus Areas and Political Stance
Damodar Raja Narasimha is known for his dedication to:
- Healthcare Accessibility: A central focus of his work lies in making healthcare services reachable, particularly for people from rural and underserved communities.
- Affordability of Healthcare: He is a proponent of policies and programs that bring down the cost of healthcare and reduce the financial burden on citizens.
- Public Health Development: Improving preventive healthcare, disease awareness, and promoting healthy lifestyles are cornerstones of his approach.
Awards and Achievements of Damodar Raja Narasimha
Damodar Raja Narasimha’s distinguished career has earned him significant recognition through the following awards:
Political Awards of Damodar Raja Narasimha
- 2011: Best Legislator Award (Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly)
- 2014: Best Leader of Opposition Award (Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly)
Social Justice Awards of Damoda Raja Narasimha
- 2009: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Award (Telangana Dalit Mahasabha)
- 2013: Dr. K.R. Narayanan Award (National SC/ST Commission)
Properties and Assets of C Damodar Rajanarasimha
According to the 2023 election report
The total value of his assets is estimated to be ₹6,45,97,885.
Immovable properties:
- Land: 10 acres in Medak district, 1 acre in Hyderabad
- Building: A house in Medak district.
Movable properties:
- Cash: 10,50,000
- Bank deposits: 1,72,85,167
- Shares: 38,84,956
Criminal report of Damodar Raja Narasimha
- According to his affidavit filed for the 2023 Telangana Legislative Assembly election, C. Damodar Raja Narasimha has no pending criminal cases or ole in 1994 and 1999, solidifying his position as a key figure in the INC’s state politics.
- Held various party positions during this period, including General Secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC).
- In 2014, he was accused of inciting violence during a protest in Khammam. These allegations were also investigated by the police, but no charges were filed against him.
FAQ’s on Damodar Raja Narasimha
What are the major healthcare challenges Minister Narasimha aims to address?
Uneven distribution of healthcare services, disparities between rural and urban areas, rising healthcare costs, and the need for preventive healthcare initiatives.
How does the Minister prioritize the role of technology in healthcare?
Minister Narasimha advocates for telemedicine to reach remote populations, electronic health records to improve patient data management, and AI for diagnostics and personalized treatment plans.
What are the specific goals Minister Narasimha has outlined for the future?
His key goals include universal access to healthcare, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, combating chronic diseases, and making Telangana a hub for medical research and innovation.