Secunderabad Cantonment Board Reviews Key Decisions and Approvals
The Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) conducted its ordinary meeting on Friday, chaired by Brigadier Rajeev. The session saw the participation of chief executive officer Arvind Kumar Dwivedi, local MLA Sri Ganesh, and nominated member Bhanuka Narmada Mallikarjun. During the gathering, the board meticulously reviewed several circular agendas and special sanctions that were approved between November 2025 and January 2026.
Employee Benefits and Financial Implications
A significant proposal considered by the Board involved revising the Dearness Allowance (DA) for its employees. This revision aligns with the Government of Telangana employees, effective from 1 July 2023. The DA has been increased from 30% to 33.6% of the basic pay. The enhanced allowance will be disbursed along with the salaries for January 2026.
Arrears covering the period from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025, will be credited to the General Provident Fund accounts of the employees. Special provisions have been made for those retiring by April 30, 2026, as well as for employees under the Contributory Pension Scheme or National Pension System (NPS). The annual financial impact of this DA hike is estimated to be approximately 76 lakh rupees.
Contract Approvals and Procurement Decisions
The Board approved annual contracts for housekeeping and medical and healthcare staff at the SVBP Cantonment General Hospital in Bolarum. These contracts were awarded following tenders floated through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, with L1 bidders selected at a profit margin of 3.85% on minimum wages.
Additionally, approval was granted for the procurement of an official vehicle at a cost of 28.3 lakh rupees. This expenditure remains within the approved budget of 40 lakh rupees. The Board also proposed new licence fees for wine shops, permit rooms, and bar-cum-restaurants, set at 500 rupees per square foot of plinth area per annum. Garbage charges for these establishments have been fixed at 100% of the licence fee.
Infrastructure and Development Initiatives
Several infrastructure and development projects were discussed and approved during the meeting. The Board extended conservancy contracts for garbage lifting and transportation until February 28, 2026, or until fresh tenders are finalized. This extension was necessitated due to the cancellation and re-tendering of earlier bids. A consolidated tender was floated on January 13, with the bid opening scheduled for February 3.
Other approved contracts include security services and door-to-door garbage collection at DGQA staff quarters. The Board also sanctioned estimates for various improvement works, such as water supply enhancements, building maintenance, road repairs, and drainage works across the Cantonment area.
Collaborative Projects and Asset Utilization
Consent was granted for the Rasoolpura Junction Road Development Project, which is proposed by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Furthermore, the Board approved a committee report on the utilization of assets affected by elevated corridor works under State Highway-01 and National Highway-44.
The SCB accepted a proposal for the consolidated utilization of affected assets. This includes the expansion of the main office building, reconstruction of the Bowenpally circle office, and construction of a Tuberculosis (TB) centre. The location for the TB centre will be identified by the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) of Hyderabad in collaboration with the Cantonment Board.
Additional Agenda Items
Among other matters noted during the meeting were the re-allotment of garbage lifting works in Trimulgherry and Bolarum, removal of unauthorized advertisement hoardings, extension of a manpower contract for a special school at Rasoolpura, and applications received through the Department of Telecommunications e-services portal.
The Secunderabad Cantonment Board's comprehensive review underscores its commitment to enhancing civic amenities, employee welfare, and infrastructure development within its jurisdiction. These decisions aim to improve the quality of life for residents and ensure efficient administration in the cantonment area.
