Hyderabad: Telangana Cabinet led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has approved a slew of welfare and infrastructure initiatives, including the release of two Dearness Allowance (DA) instalments for employees, a Rs 33,194 crore road development plan, expansion of the Hyderabad Metro Rail, and others.
The five-and-a-half-hour Cabinet meeting, held at Dr BR Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat here, reviewed critical issues, particularly employees’ long-pending demands, many of which were cleared.
Briefing the Cabinet decisions to the media, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that the Cabinet also approved setting up the Health Care Trust for government staff, and India’s first Earth Sciences University. The other pending demands would be addressed soon, the duo added.
Hyderabad Metro Phase-2B gets green signal.
One of the key approvals was for the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-2B project, worth Rs 19,579 crore. The 86.1 km expansion will include three corridors: Corridor 1: Shamshabad Airport to Future City (39.6 km), Corridor 2: Jubilee Bus Station to Medchal (24.5 km), and Corridor 3: Jubilee Bus Station to Shamirpet (22 km)
The project will be executed jointly with the Centre. State ministers urged Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy and Bandi Sanjay Kumar to expedite Central approvals.
Employees’ Relief: Two DA Instalments, Health Care Trust
The Cabinet approved the release of two long-pending DA installments. One DA (due from Jan 1, 2023) will be released immediately, with arrears to be paid in 28 installments. The second will be announced in six months. Additionally, Rs 700 crore per month will be released to clear employees’ pending bills.
A Health Care Trust will also be established, with employees and the government each contributing Rs 500 monthly. The Trust, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will cover medical expenses. Annual DPCs and a new State-level Medical Invalidation Committee were also approved.
Rs 33,194 Cr Road Development Plan
In a massive boost to rural and state infrastructure, the Cabinet cleared the development of 13,137 km of roads under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), without burdening the public.
The road works include: 7,947 km under Panchayat Raj (Rs 16,780 crore) and 5,190 km under the Roads & Buildings Department (Rs 16,414 crore). Projects will be undertaken in district-level packages and maintained for 15 years by the contractors.
Earth Sciences University named after Manmohan Singh
A new Telangana Earth Sciences University will be set up in Kothagudem, named after former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in recognition of his role in Telangana’s formation. It will be the first university in India dedicated exclusively to earth sciences and will commence operations this academic year.
Welfare measures for SHG members, farmers
The government has also decided to provide Rs 10 lakh ex gratia to the families of deceased women Self-Help Group (SHG) members. In 2023, 385 women died, and their families will receive Rs 38.5 crore without going through third-party insurers.
Bonus for paddy farmers to continue
To promote fine rice cultivation, the Cabinet agreed to continue the bonus scheme for paddy farmers, ensuring sustained agricultural support.
