In a significant meeting chaired by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on January 4, the Telangana Cabinet made several pivotal decisions that promise to bring substantial changes across various sectors. Originally scheduled for December 30, the meeting was postponed to pay respects following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The decisions made in this meeting will have far-reaching implications for farmers, the poor, and urban development in the state.
New Ration Cards Approved: Major Decisions Taken by the Cabinet
One of the most notable announcements was the issuance of new ration cards, which will commence from Sankranti. This move aims to ensure that more eligible families receive essential supplies. Applications for these ration cards will be accepted starting January 15, with Gram Sabhas and Basti Sabhas facilitating the process. Officials clarified that the qualifications for eligibility will remain unchanged from previous procedures. Moreover, the state government is expected to approve around 12 lakh pending applications for ration cards, providing relief to countless households.
The Cabinet also discussed measures to support the landless poor, including the distribution of rice. Furthermore, the government has unveiled a clean and green policy and pledged to revitalize irrigation societies, aiming to boost agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
Rythu Bharosa Scheme: A New Beginning for Farmers
The Telangana government has decided to implement the Rythu Bharosa Scheme, replacing the existing Rythu Bandhu program. This new scheme, set to roll out from Sankranti, offers financial assistance of ₹15,000 per acre annually, distributed in two installments of ₹7,500. The initiative is seen as a Sankranti gift for farmers, offering enhanced support to agricultural workers.
A sub-committee was formed to finalize eligibility criteria for the scheme, and its recommendations were discussed during the meeting. Sources suggest that income tax payers and public representatives may be excluded from the benefits. Additionally, the extent of landholding will play a key role in determining eligibility. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and improving agricultural livelihoods.
Tourism Policy and Infrastructure Development
The Cabinet also approved a new tourism policy, which aims to boost the state’s tourism sector. Alongside this, it announced a series of measures to improve infrastructure. For instance, the Mulugu Gram Panchayat has been upgraded to a Municipality, paving the way for better urban governance.
In another significant move, the Cabinet approved the conversion of Kothagudem into a Municipal Corporation. This decision involves merging Kothagudem Town (36 wards), Palvancha Town (24 wards), and Sujathanagar (7 panchayats). The formation of the corporation will now allow for long-overdue elections in Palvancha Municipality, which have been pending for six years. Kothagudem MLA Kunanneni Sambasiva Rao thanked CM Revanth Reddy and other state leaders for approving this decision.
Irrigation and Water Supply Initiatives
Another highlight of the Cabinet meeting was the decision to name the Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme after former Union Minister S. Jaipal Reddy, honoring his contributions. A technical expert committee will be set up to explore new ways to provide irrigation water to areas in Mahabubnagar district using Krishna River water.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved Phase-2 and Phase-3 of the Godavari Drinking Water Supply Scheme. This initiative will transfer water from Mallanna Sagar to Hyderabad, addressing the city’s growing drinking water needs. Originally planned to supply 15 TMC of water, the scheme has now been upgraded to 20 TMC to account for future requirements.
Compassionate Appointments and Panchayat Approvals
In a move aimed at supporting families of deceased employees, the Cabinet approved 508 compassionate appointments in the Panchayati Raj Department. Furthermore, new village panchayats have been approved, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening local governance.
Transitioning Toward a Brighter Future
The Cabinet’s decisions signify a proactive approach toward addressing both rural and urban challenges. By introducing new schemes such as Rythu Bharosa and distributing ration cards to the needy, the government is ensuring inclusive growth. The focus on irrigation projects, urban development, and clean energy policies underscores Telangana’s commitment to sustainable progress.
With these measures, the Telangana government aims to meet the immediate needs of its citizens while preparing the state for future challenges. As these decisions take effect in the coming weeks, their impact is expected to be felt across the state, from the bustling streets of Hyderabad to the farmlands of Mahabubnagar.
The Telangana Cabinet meeting, although delayed, has successfully set the stage for transformative changes in governance, agriculture, and infrastructure. These initiatives reaffirm the government’s pledge to work for the welfare of its people and the development of the state.
