Telangana Cabinet Approves Major Reforms in Social Welfare, Infrastructure, and Economic Development
Hyderabad, March 7: In a significant move, the Telangana Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, approved several key decisions aimed at social justice, infrastructure expansion, urban development, tourism promotion, and employment generation. These reforms are expected to have a long-lasting impact on governance, economic progress, and public welfare in the state.
The Cabinet’s deliberations focused on SC caste classification, enhanced BC reservations, urban expansion, new employment opportunities, temple administration, and hosting the Miss World 2025 event in Hyderabad. Below are the detailed highlights of the decisions made:
1. SC Caste Classification Bill Approved
The Dr. Justice Shamim Akhtar Commission, which was constituted to examine the classification of Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, submitted its second report to the government on March 2, 2025.
- The first report, submitted on February 3, 2025, was accepted without any modifications.
- In the second phase, the Commission scrutinized 71 appeals from various SC communities regarding their categorization.
- The Cabinet extensively discussed the findings and agreed to proceed with the draft bill for SC caste classification.
- The Chief Minister directed officials to finalize the bill in consultation with legal experts to avoid legal challenges in its implementation.
This move is expected to streamline SC reservations and ensure equitable distribution of government benefits among SC subgroups.
2. 42% Reservation for BCs in Local Bodies, Education, and Government Jobs
To enhance social justice and representation, the Telangana Cabinet approved a proposal to increase the reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) to 42%.
- A draft bill has been prepared to implement this reservation in local bodies.
- A separate bill has been proposed to extend the 42% reservation to BCs in educational institutions and government jobs.
- The 2017 reservation bill, which was passed but not implemented, will be withdrawn.
- The government will introduce both bills separately in the State Assembly for approval.
This step is expected to increase opportunities for BC communities in education, employment, and political representation.
3. Future City Development Authority (FCDA) for New Urban Development
To accommodate Telangana’s rapid urban expansion, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Future City Development Authority (FCDA).
- 7 mandals and 56 villages will be covered under FCDA.
- The Future City project will span 30,000 acres between Nagarjunasagar Highway and Srisailam Highway.
- 36 villages will be removed from HMDA’s jurisdiction and brought under FCDA.
- The Cabinet sanctioned 90 posts for FCDA, including regular and outsourcing positions.
This initiative aims to develop a futuristic urban center with advanced infrastructure, modern amenities, and sustainable planning.
4. Expansion of Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA)
The government has decided to expand HMDA’s jurisdiction up to the Regional Ring Road (RRR).
- With this expansion, HMDA will cover 11 districts, 104 mandals, and 1,355 villages.
- 332 new revenue villages will now be under HMDA’s planning and development authority.
This decision is expected to boost real estate, infrastructure, and industrial growth in the Hyderabad metropolitan region.
5. Indira Mahila Shakti Mission 2025 for Women Empowerment
A new policy has been introduced with the goal of making one crore women millionaires in Telangana.
- Self-help groups (SHGs) in rural areas, currently managed by SERP, and urban SHGs under MEPMA will be merged into a single platform.
- The retirement age of SHG members has been raised from 60 to 65 years.
- The minimum age for joining SHGs has been reduced from 18 to 15 years.
This initiative will enhance financial independence and entrepreneurial opportunities for women across Telangana.
6. New Temple Board for Yadagirigutta Lakshminarayana Swamy Temple
To improve the administration of Yadagirigutta Lakshminarayana Swamy Temple, the Cabinet decided to form a dedicated temple board, similar to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board.
- The Telangana Charitable and Hindu Religious Institutions and Endowment Act, 1987, will be amended to facilitate this.
- The board will oversee temple administration, revenue management, and religious activities.
This move aims to enhance governance, transparency, and pilgrimage facilities at Yadagirigutta.
7. Telangana Tourism Policy 2025-2030
The Cabinet approved the Telangana Tourism Policy 2025-2030, which focuses on boosting tourism infrastructure.
- 27 special tourism zones have been identified for development.
- The government aims to attract ₹15,000 crore in investments and create 3 lakh job opportunities within five years.
This policy is expected to strengthen Telangana’s position as a major tourism hub.
8. Hyderabad to Host Miss World 2025
The state government has secured the Miss World 2025 pageant, which will be held in May 2025 in Hyderabad.
- Around 140 countries will participate in this prestigious event.
- The Cabinet sees this as an opportunity to promote Telangana globally.
This international event is expected to boost tourism, hospitality, and cultural exchange.
9. Recruitment of 10,954 Village Administration Officers (GPOs)
To enhance governance in rural areas, the Cabinet approved the appointment of one Grama Palana Officer (GPO) per revenue village.
- A total of 10,954 GPOs will be appointed.
- Former Village Revenue Officers (VROs) and Village Revenue Assistants (VRAs) will be given priority in recruitment.
This decision is aimed at strengthening rural administration and public service delivery.
10. Other Key Decisions:
- Reduction in Gandhamalla Reservoir Capacity: The Cabinet approved reducing the storage capacity from 4.28 TMC to 1.41 TMC.
- New 100-Bed ESI Hospital in Shamshabad: 5.15 acres in Raikunta village, near Pedda Golkonda, has been allocated for hospital construction.
- Government Job for Paralympian Deepti Jivanji: 2024 Paralympics bronze medalist Deepti Jivanji will be given a government job in recognition of her achievements.
- New Revenue and Education Sector Jobs: 361 new revenue posts and 495 posts in Telangana Residential Educational Institutions Society have been sanctioned.
Conclusion
These major decisions reflect the Telangana government’s commitment to social empowerment, urban planning, tourism, and employment generation. With these reforms, the state is set to enhance governance, improve public welfare, and attract global recognition. The implementation of these policies will be closely monitored to ensure effective execution and maximum public benefit.
