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Telangana CM Revanth Reddy seeks release of 15th Finance Commission funds of ₹2,233 crore

Revanth Reddy called on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and UPSC Chairman Dr Manoj Soni in Delhi.

Raj Rayasam

Published Jan 06, 2024 | 11:17 AM ⚊ Updated Jan 06, 2024 | 11:17 AM

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi on 5 January. (X)

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi on 5 January. (X)

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Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy engaged in a series of high-profile meetings on Friday, 5 January, in Delhi. He met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni to discuss crucial issues concerning the state.

During his meeting with the Finance Minister, Chief Minister Reddy advocated for the release of ₹2,233.54 crore owed to the state, as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission.

Additionally, he sought dedicated funds for the development of Hyderabad, urging the prompt release of ₹1,800 crore under the development grant for backward areas from 2019-20 to 2023-24, allocated at ₹450 crore annually.

He was accompanied by state Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy.

Also Read: CM Revanth Reddy emphasises one govt school in every Gram Panchayat

Meeting with Defence Minister 

In discussions with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Revanth Reddy pressed for the transfer of 0.21 acres of Defence Ministry-owned land at Rythu Bazar in Mehdipatnam. The purpose is to facilitate the construction of a skywalk, aiming to alleviate vehicular traffic congestion.

Furthermore, he sought the transfer of 83 acres of Defence Ministry lands, necessary for the construction of a six-lane, 11.3 km corridor from Paradise Junction to Outer Ring Road, connecting Hyderabad-Karimnagar-Rajiv Rahadari.

Additionally, he requested the transfer of 56 acres of Defence lands for an elevated six-lane corridor spanning 18.3 km from Kandlakoya on Nagpur Highway (No 44) to Paradise Junction in Secunderabad.

The Chief Minister’s Office said that the Union minister responded positively to the state’s request for the transfer of Defence lands.

Also Read: Revanth Reddy invites Adani Group to invest in projects in Telangana

Meeting with UPSC Chairman

Lastly, Revanth Reddy called on UPSC Chairman Dr Manoj Soni while at Delhi. Their extensive discussion revolved around enhancing the reliability of the TSPSC examination process, given recent question paper leaks and repeated postponements.

Revanth Reddy, emphasising the redemption of TSPSC’s credibility as a top priority, expressed his keen interest in adopting the transparent practices employed by the UPSC. Drawing parallels with the USPC’s 100-year history, he discussed the need to instill efficiency and credibility into the TSPSC.

Chief Minister Reddy engaged in a one-and-a-half-hour conversation with Dr Soni. They delved into the restructuring of TSPSC within the existing legal framework, aiming to introduce innovative methods for efficiency and credibility.

The Chief Minister evinced interest in how the USPC could remain above board of any controversy in conducting the examinations and how it could function without acquiring any taint of corruption.

Also Read: Revanth Reddy’s meeting with UPSC Chairman sparks hope for TSPSC

Dr Soni told the chief minister that when it came to appointment of chairman and members for the UPSC, there was no scope for political considerations. The only criteria is efficiency and competence, he said.

Chief Minister Reddy apprised Dr Soni that by the end of this year, he aspires to conduct recruitments to two lakh jobs and, for that purpose, he intends to cleanse the TSPSC and usher in new systems to make the process of recruitment foolproof and transparent.

He also told him that the erstwhile BRS government had politicised the appointments to the TSPSC and how it had been made a political rehabilitation centre. This has led to the question paper leakages. The issuance of notifications, conduct of the examinations and announcement of results had become a farce, he said.

Chief Minister Reddy said that he, too, wanted the posts of the Chairman and members of TSPSC to remain above politics. Dr Soni offered training for the new Chairman and members of the TSPSC.

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