The Telangana state cabinet is set to convene on Monday to deliberate on several critical issues, including commitments made to the government employees' Joint Action Committee (JAC) regarding the Pay Revision Commission (PRC), Dearness Allowance (DA), and the release of Rs 6,000 crore to pensioners within 100 days. The overall financial implications of these measures will also be assessed.
Key Agenda Items
The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is expected to discuss the state government's plans for Phase II-A and Phase II-B of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project. Follow-up actions required with the central government will also be on the agenda, following the state's recent takeover of Phase I from L&T.
Tummidihatti Barrage and Pranahita-Chevella Project
Another significant issue likely to be addressed is the government's resolve to construct a barrage at Tummidihatti, as part of its commitment to revive the Pranahita-Chevella project. The cabinet will also review programs, inaugurations, and foundation-laying ceremonies planned for Telangana Formation Day celebrations on June 2.
A senior official revealed that the Chief Minister has directed Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy to engage with Union Minister G Kishan Reddy to initiate talks with the Maharashtra government. Telangana aims to construct the Tummidihatti project at a height of 150 metres, and CM Revanth Reddy intends to meet Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. The primary challenge is the potential submergence of areas in Maharashtra if the barrage is built at that height, necessitating a final decision on the maximum permissible height.
Four alternative alignment proposals for linking Tummidihatti with Yellampalli are under examination. RV Associates and IIT Hyderabad, commissioned to study the options, have submitted joint recommendations that are now being scrutinized for feasibility, cost, and efficiency. The cabinet will discuss these findings.
TGSRTC Merger and Pensions
The cabinet will also deliberate on the crucial merger of TGSRTC employees with the state government. Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka announced in his budget speech that two lakh new applicants would be covered under pensions, and a decision on implementation is expected.
Sources indicated that the cabinet may also discuss MPTC, ZPTC, and GHMC elections, the Musi rejuvenation project, resource mobilization, paddy procurement, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Hyderabad on May 10.
