All eyes on Telangana Cabinet meet today

Hyderabad: All eyes are on the state Cabinet meeting convened by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the Secretariat at 4 pm on Friday. Official sources indicate that the Cabinet is likely to discuss and take decisions on several critical issues, including a crop loan waiver for farmers up to `2 lakh, the disbursement of Rythu Bharosa (Rythu Bandhu) for the current Kharif season, and revenue mobilisation options for implementing welfare schemes. The Cabinet is also expected to deliberate on the takeover of buildings in Hyderabad previously used by the Andhra Pradesh government.

Foremost on the agenda is the farm loan waiver, a promise made by Chief Minister Reddy, which he pledged to fulfill before August 15. While the Chief Minister initially promised that the loans would be waived off in one go, reports suggest the waiver might be executed in installments, with the process spanning from July 15 to August 15. Additionally, terms and conditions such as limiting Rythu Bharosa to beneficiaries with up to 5 acres are expected to be discussed to reduce the financial burden on the state government.

In light of the vote on account budget presented on February 10, the state Cabinet will also consider the schedule for a full-fledged budget presentation during the monsoon session, following the Union Budget in July. The Cabinet is expected to finalise the schedule for holding the Monsoon Session of the Legislative Assembly.

The state Cabinet is also expected to address unresolved bifurcation issues between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, particularly the takeover of buildings in Hyderabad previously utilised by the AP government. Additionally, the Cabinet may discuss proposals to increase the market value of lands across the state.