The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) is worried about the claims made by IT Minister KT Rama Rao. He stated that investments worth Rs 3.4 lakh crore and 22 lakh jobs have been created since 2014. The FGG wants the Minister to show proof of these claims by providing industry-specific investment and job creation details for the state.
The FGG appreciates the Minister’s efforts to attract investments and create employment opportunities. However, they want to see solid evidence to support the figures presented. The FGG Secretary, M Padmanabha Reddy, wants to know the specifics of directors appointed, as well as investment and job details on a company-by-company basis.
The FGG filed an RTI application to obtain this information, but there was reluctance to provide it. The IT Joint Secretary stated that their office had no information regarding company-wise investments and job creation. The application was transferred to the Telangana State Trade Promotion Corporation (TSTPC), who then recommended approaching the Industries and Commerce department.
The FGG was advised to seek information from the Industries and Commerce Principal Secretary. However, they also lacked the necessary information and directed the FGG to approach the Commissioner of Industries. Unfortunately, the FGG has yet to receive a response from the Commissioner.
Padmanabha Reddy expresses frustration over the past five months, during which they have been shuffled from one department to another without obtaining the desired information. This raises doubts about the source of the claimed figures of Rs 3.3 lakh crore in investments and 22.5 lakh jobs. He questions how these figures were derived if no department seems to possess the relevant details.
The Minister needs to provide clarity and concrete evidence to support his claims. If he doesn’t, his credibility may be called into question in the future.
