The Telangana Cabinet has approved handing over the inquiry report on alleged irregularities in power purchases and the Bhadradri and Yadadri thermal power projects to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting, marking a significant step in investigating alleged irregularities that occurred during the previous BRS regime. The government had initially constituted a Commission of Inquiry on March 14, 2024, under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, headed by retired Justice L. Narasimha Reddy.
Following directions from the Supreme Court, Justice Narasimha Reddy recused himself in July 2024, and Justice Madan B. Lokur was appointed to head the commission. The Commission submitted a comprehensive 114-page report in October 2024. In the January 4, 2025 Cabinet meeting, the government decided to seek the Advocate General’s opinion on the matter. After examining the report, the Advocate General submitted recommendations, which were discussed in today’s Cabinet meeting. As the matter involves inter-state issues and central PSUs, the Cabinet decided that a CBI probe would ensure a fair investigation, and officials were directed to expedite the process.
The Cabinet also approved the revision and rationalisation of land prices across the state where there is a wide gap between government-fixed values and actual market rates. The Registration Department has been authorised to carry out this exercise, with revised values set to come into effect in the last week of this month. Displaced persons from projects and road expansions had expressed dissatisfaction over compensation rates, prompting requests for higher compensation aligned with market prices. District-level Market Value Revision Committees will revise rates using a scientific approach.
In a relief measure for HILT policy applicants, the Cabinet decided that applicants who applied before the land price revision can pay 10 percent upfront at current rates, with the remaining 90 percent to be paid within 90 days. Existing land prices will be applicable to such applicants. Following reports of crop damage across districts due to unseasonal rains, the Chief Minister directed in-charge ministers to immediately assess losses. Officials have been instructed to collect details and initiate measures to support affected farmers.
The Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding to hand over the Nalgonda-Ranga Reddy Milk Producers Union (NARMAC) to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The NDDB will manage dairy plant operations, processing, and marketing of milk and milk products. Approval was also granted for setting up solar power generation plants at 33/11 KV substations across 9 districts as a pilot project at 18 locations. The initiative will develop 19 MW capacity at an estimated cost of Rs 66.50 crore.
In a significant move to clear pending dues, the Cabinet approved a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for government offices under GHMC, Cyberabad, and Malkajgiri municipal corporations. The total pending dues stand at Rs 5,864 crore, with expected recovery through OTS of Rs 1,686 crore after waiver of penalties and interest. The municipal department has been directed to extend OTS across all municipalities. A decision was also taken to settle pending water dues payable to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
The Cabinet gave approval for the construction of a left flood flow canal from Bugga Vagu near Kamepalli in Khammam district. The project is aimed at supplying water to minor irrigation tanks in the district. In a move to streamline skill development, the Cabinet decided to bring all ITIs including Advanced Training Centres, polytechnics, and T-SAT under the Young India Skill University. Officials have been directed to prepare a comprehensive action plan for this integration.
The Cabinet also granted approval for the allocation of 42 acres of land at Aziz Nagar in Moinabad mandal, Ranga Reddy district, for setting up a modern vegetable market. This initiative is expected to provide better infrastructure for vegetable trading and benefit farmers and traders in the region. The multiple decisions taken by the Cabinet reflect the government’s focus on governance reforms, infrastructure development, and addressing pending issues across various sectors.
