Telangana cabinet meeting on May 23, austerity measures on agenda

Hyderabad: The state cabinet meeting scheduled to be held on Thursday has been rescheduled to May 23. The change was made in view of the ‘Saraswati Antya Pushkarams’ commencing on May 21. Sources said the cabinet meeting was initially proposed to be held in Yadagirigutta, as chief minister A Revanth Reddy is also scheduled to inaugurate a Vedic School in the temple town on Saturday.

However, late on Tuesday night, it was reportedly learnt that the govt had changed its decision and that the cabinet meeting would instead be held at the secretariat on May 23. The meeting is likely to discuss the austerity measures to be implemented in govt departments and the CMO, following the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Other issues likely to come up before the cabinet include plans to launch phase-II of Indiramma housing, rollout of two lakh new Cheyutha monthly pensions, launch of other welfare schemes, inaugurations and stone-laying ceremonies, and programmes to be organised for Telangana state formation day on June 2.

The meeting is also expected to discuss the proposed private schools fee regulating and monitoring commission bill, talks with Maharashtra on Tummidihatti, Metro rail expansion, and Rajiv Yuva Vikasam, among other issues. Meanwhile, the state govt is making elaborate arrangements for the Telangana Formation Day celebrations at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad on June 2.

Sources said the govt departments have been working on proposals to adopt austerity measures aimed at saving energy, fuel and reducing pollution, among other objectives. These proposals are expected to be placed before the cabinet. Telangana governor Shiv Pratap Shukla had already announced a 50% reduction in his official convoy, cutting the number of vehicles from six to three. Chief minister A Revanth Reddy’s convoy has reportedly been reduced from nine to four.

The proposed austerity measures include holding online review meetings, reducing the use of air conditioners in the govt offices, prohibiting foreign travel unless absolutely necessary, and a hybrid model with one or two days of work from home, among others. The state cabinet is likely to take a call on these proposals.

The ‘Basara Saraswati Antya Pushkarams’, regarded as one of the most sacred and spiritual festivals in the state, are set to commence on May 21. Meanwhile, the Telangana govt is making elaborate arrangements for the Antya Pushkarams, which are being held at the Basara shrine situated on the banks of the Godavari River.