Telangana Cabinet clears two DA instalments and drought response plan

The Telangana Cabinet has approved the immediate release of two pending Dearness Allowance instalments to government employees and pensioners, Revenue and Housing Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy said. The instalments are among arrears pending since 2024. The remaining arrears will be cleared in instalments, according to the minister, who briefed reporters after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A.

Revanth Reddy on Thursday. Ponguleti said the DA release would impose an additional annual financial burden of about ₹2,500 crore on the State government. He said the decision followed an assurance given during discussions with employee unions.

The Cabinet also decided to form a sub-committee to examine immediate measures in areas affected by El Niño conditions. The government will convene an all-party meeting and consult farmers’ associations and experts before finalising mitigation measures. The State recorded a rainfall deficit of about 17% during the monsoon, which ended on Wednesday, the minister said.

Telangana will seek assistance from the Centre and request that drought-affected areas be declared. Arrangements will also be made for kharif paddy procurement. Power supply was another issue discussed by the Cabinet.

Peak demand reached 19,892 MW, compared with 16,613 MW the previous year, while normal daily consumption was about 15,000 MW. The government plans to procure adequate electricity to prevent power cuts. The Cabinet approved proposals for about 7,800 MW of new renewable generation and storage capacity.

These include 3,000 MW of solar power, 4,000 MW of battery storage and 800 MW of wind power. It also approved a government-funded integrated fruit market at Koheda, directed officials to cancel incomplete EPC projects and suspended 10 irrigation projects. Other decisions included a digital media advertising policy, a Deputy Commissioner post at Telangana Bhavan and four additional Group-I officers in New Delhi.