Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, during a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi, sought the immediate release of ₹11,713.49 crore for the restoration and repair of infrastructure severely damaged by recent heavy rains in the state. He highlighted that a letter was submitted on September 2 requesting ₹5,438 crore, following which a Central team assessed the losses and pegged the damage at ₹11,713 crore in their September 30 report.
Reddy also urged Shah to reinstate Adilabad, Mancherial, and Komaram Bheem Asifabad in the list of Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts and requested the establishment of CRPF JTF camps in sensitive areas. Addressing unresolved bifurcation issues, he pushed for amicable settlements over Schedule 9 and 10 disputes regarding the distribution of government properties. Additionally, the Chief Minister called for the allocation of 29 new IPS posts to strengthen Telangana’s law enforcement.
In a significant move to address the infrastructural and financial challenges arising from recent natural calamities, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday, requesting the immediate release of ₹11,713.49 crore for restoration and repair works. The state has been grappling with widespread damage to its infrastructure due to heavy rains and subsequent floods, and the Chief Minister’s plea underscores the urgency of financial assistance from the Centre to ensure timely recovery.
Request for Emergency Financial Assistance
During the high-level meeting, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy highlighted the dire situation in Telangana caused by torrential rains, which resulted in extensive damage to roads, public infrastructure, and agriculture. In his appeal, he reminded the Home Minister that a letter had already been sent to the Centre on September 2, requesting ₹5,438 crore for immediate repairs. The Centre had subsequently dispatched a team to assess the ground situation in Telangana. Following their visit and an extensive survey, the team submitted a report on September 30, estimating the total losses at ₹11,713 crore.
Revanth Reddy emphasized the scale of the damage, particularly in rural areas where roads, bridges, and essential public infrastructure have been severely affected. The agricultural sector, which forms the backbone of Telangana’s economy, has also suffered massive losses. The Chief Minister pointed out that the state government had already undertaken preliminary relief efforts, but the extent of the damage necessitates significant financial support from the Centre to ensure comprehensive rehabilitation and restoration.
Importance of Timely Intervention
In his appeal, Reddy made it clear that timely intervention is critical to mitigating the long-term impact of the floods on Telangana’s economy. The Chief Minister urged Amit Shah to expedite the release of the requested funds, stressing that any delay would only exacerbate the suffering of the affected communities and hinder the state’s recovery efforts.
The Chief Minister’s call for ₹11,713.49 crore is not merely a demand for financial assistance but a recognition of the broader socio-economic implications that prolonged infrastructure damage could have on the state. In addition to repairing roads, bridges, and public buildings, the funds are crucial for the rehabilitation of displaced families, the restoration of agricultural land, and the rebuilding of damaged schools, hospitals, and other public amenities.
Focus on Left-Wing Extremism Affected Areas
In addition to the flood-related request, Chief Minister Reddy also raised the issue of Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in Telangana. He urged Amit Shah to reinstate Adilabad, Mancherial, and Komaram Bheem Asifabad in the list of LWE-affected districts. These three districts were removed from the list in the past, a move that Reddy believes has left them vulnerable to extremist activities.
By restoring these districts to the list, Telangana would benefit from additional security measures and financial aid aimed at combating Left-Wing Extremism. The Chief Minister’s request reflects his government’s commitment to safeguarding the security and stability of these districts, which have historically been prone to insurgent activities. He argued that the reinstatement of these districts would enhance security presence, expedite developmental activities, and strengthen public confidence in the government’s ability to maintain law and order in these sensitive areas.
Request for Establishment of CRPF JTF Camps
Further emphasizing the state’s security concerns, Revanth Reddy requested the establishment of CRPF Joint Task Force (JTF) camps in strategic locations. Specifically, he sought the establishment of these camps in Kondawai of Charla mandal in Bhadradri Kothagudem district and Alubaka of Venkatapuram mandal in Mulugu district. These areas, known for their geographical complexity and proximity to extremist-prone regions, are in dire need of increased security presence.
The Chief Minister stressed that the deployment of CRPF JTF camps in these regions would not only bolster security but also serve as a deterrent to insurgent activities. By enhancing the state’s security apparatus, Telangana aims to prevent any resurgence of extremist groups and maintain peace and stability in its vulnerable districts.
Resolution of Pending Bifurcation Issues
Reddy’s discussions with Amit Shah also touched upon long-standing bifurcation issues that have remained unresolved since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014. These disputes primarily concern the distribution of government buildings and corporations, particularly those listed under Schedule 9 and Schedule 10 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
The Chief Minister called for an amicable resolution to these disputes, urging the Centre to expedite the process of distributing government properties and institutions. Specifically, Reddy highlighted issues under Sections 53, 68, and 71 of the Act, which pertain to the division of assets and liabilities of government entities. He also brought attention to the unresolved dispute of institutions listed under Schedule 10, governed by Section 75 of the Act.
By pushing for a swift and equitable resolution to these bifurcation-related disputes, Reddy hopes to remove administrative roadblocks that have hindered the full realization of Telangana’s developmental potential since its formation. An amicable settlement would not only ensure the equitable distribution of assets but also help streamline governance and administrative efficiency in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Appeal for Additional IPS Posts
As part of his broader request for strengthening law enforcement and security infrastructure, Revanth Reddy also urged the Union Home Minister to allocate 29 additional IPS posts to Telangana. The state has been grappling with a shortage of senior police officers, which has impacted its ability to effectively manage law and order, particularly in regions facing security challenges such as Left-Wing Extremism and urban crime.
The Chief Minister pointed out that Telangana’s rapid urbanization, coupled with its unique security challenges, necessitates a larger police force with a robust leadership cadre. By increasing the number of IPS officers, the state would be better equipped to maintain public order, enhance crime prevention efforts, and ensure effective policing across its districts.
A Holistic Approach to Telangana’s Needs
Revanth Reddy’s meeting with Amit Shah highlights a multi-faceted approach to addressing Telangana’s immediate and long-term needs. From seeking financial assistance for flood repairs to advocating for enhanced security measures in Left-Wing Extremism affected areas, the Chief Minister has underscored the state’s need for holistic support from the Centre.
His appeal for the reinstatement of LWE-affected districts and the establishment of CRPF JTF camps reflects a commitment to tackling security challenges head-on, while his push for resolving bifurcation-related disputes signals a desire to move past administrative hurdles that have plagued the state since its formation. Additionally, the request for additional IPS posts is a forward-looking measure aimed at strengthening Telangana’s internal security and law enforcement capabilities.
Urgency and Collaboration
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah mark a critical moment in Telangana’s post-flood recovery and its broader developmental trajectory. By calling for the release of ₹11,713.49 crore for infrastructure repair, Reddy is seeking urgent financial intervention to restore normalcy in the state. Simultaneously, his requests for enhanced security measures and the resolution of bifurcation disputes reflect a long-term vision for Telangana’s growth and stability.
The Chief Minister’s appeal to the Centre is not just about securing funds but about fostering a collaborative partnership between the state and the Union government. Through such cooperation, Telangana can overcome its current challenges and chart a path toward sustained development and security.
