Telangana’s Chief Minister, Revanth Reddy, has made a compelling appeal to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting the release of ₹11,713.49 crore to address the severe damage caused by torrential rains in the state. The devastation, which took place between August 31 and September 8, left a significant impact on infrastructure and agriculture. In addition, Reddy highlighted several pressing concerns related to security and state bifurcation issues that require immediate attention from the central government.
Severe Flood Damage and Restoration Efforts in Telangana
Heavy rains in Telangana wreaked havoc across the state, damaging vast stretches of land, infrastructure, and agriculture. The rainfall, which spanned over a week, caused significant destruction in approximately 4.15 lakh acres, damaging crops, roads, culverts, tanks, and canals. Tragically, the deluge claimed 37 lives, but despite the scale of the damage, sufficient funds for restoration have not yet been released.
The state’s demand for ₹11,713.49 crore aims to support restoration efforts, with the focus on rebuilding the damaged infrastructure and supporting farmers whose livelihoods have been severely affected. The release of these funds is critical to accelerating recovery and minimizing long-term economic losses for Telangana.
Left-Wing Extremism: The Reintegration of Key Districts
Beyond the restoration of physical infrastructure, CM Revanth Reddy also raised critical security concerns during his meeting with Amit Shah. He called for the reintegration of key districts—Adilabad, Mancherial, and Kumram Bheem Asifabad—into the Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) category due to escalating security threats. These districts, historically known for LWE activity, were removed from the category in recent years. However, with growing security risks, their reintegration is vital for enhanced security measures and resource allocation to combat extremism.
This move is essential for safeguarding local communities and ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the necessary support to deal with potential threats. Reintegrating these districts into the LWE category would allow for better coordination between state and central security agencies and the allocation of additional resources to curb insurgent activity.
Addressing the Salaries and Recruitment of Special Police Officers (SPOs)
Security concerns in Telangana were further highlighted by CM Reddy’s request for ₹18.31 crore to address pending salaries for Special Police Officers (SPOs). SPOs play a crucial role in maintaining law and order, especially in areas with heightened security challenges. However, delays in disbursing their salaries have created issues, and resolving this is paramount to ensuring their continued motivation and effectiveness.
In addition to clearing outstanding payments, CM Reddy also sought a relaxation of recruitment norms to allow for the hiring of 1,065 new SPOs. These additional officers are necessary to strengthen the state’s law enforcement capabilities, particularly in districts facing security threats from extremist groups. By relaxing the recruitment criteria, the government can expedite the hiring process and bolster its security personnel to meet growing demands.
Resolving State Bifurcation Issues Between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
Another key issue CM Reddy addressed during his meeting with Amit Shah was the unresolved matters stemming from the bifurcation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh in 2014. The division left several issues unsettled, including the fair distribution of assets and institutions between the two states. These lingering concerns continue to affect both states and have led to administrative and financial challenges.
Revanth Reddy called for an immediate resolution to these bifurcation issues, stressing the importance of equitable distribution of resources, institutions, and assets. Addressing these concerns will not only benefit Telangana but also contribute to a harmonious relationship between the two states, promoting mutual development and cooperation.
Request for Additional IPS Posts in Telangana
As part of his broader appeal to strengthen the state’s security apparatus, CM Revanth Reddy requested the creation of 29 additional IPS (Indian Police Service) posts for Telangana. The current IPS cadre allocation is insufficient to meet the growing security needs of the state, particularly in light of the challenges posed by extremism and growing urbanization.
The creation of additional IPS posts would enhance the state’s ability to manage law enforcement and security operations more effectively. A larger cadre of IPS officers would allow for better leadership in policing, especially in districts with significant law and order challenges. Additionally, it would provide more capacity for training and strategic planning in response to emerging threats.
Conclusion: Telangana’s Path Forward
CM Revanth Reddy’s meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah underscored the urgent need for both financial and security support in Telangana. The devastating effects of the recent heavy rains, combined with growing security concerns, highlight the necessity for swift action from the central government.
The release of ₹11,713.49 crore for restoration work, reintegration of key districts into the LWE category, resolving bifurcation-related disputes, and enhancing the state’s law enforcement capabilities are essential steps toward stabilizing Telangana. As the state works to recover from the dual challenges of natural disasters and security threats, cooperation between the state and central governments will be key to ensuring the well-being and progress of Telangana and its people.