Telangana to Join Rural Employment Scheme, Plans Legal Action Against Centre's 'Unilateral' Move

The Telangana government has decided to join the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Grameen, a rural employment guarantee scheme, citing 'unavoidable circumstances'. However, the state Cabinet has resolved to pursue legal action to protect what it considers its constitutional rights, which it says are affected by the Centre's implementation of the new legislation.

The Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, met on Thursday to discuss a report from a sub-committee headed by Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy. The report detailed the pros and cons of the new law, which replaced the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) of 2006. The Cabinet decided to join the scheme while seeking legal recourse, as the Centre did not consider several representations from the state government.

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy stated, 'We will approach the Supreme Court to protect the State's rights. Other States are also gearing up for legal battles against the Act.' He alleged that the Centre was 'trying to usurp the rights of the poor and working class' through the new legislation. The Telangana State Legislature had passed a resolution in January against the new act, seeking amendments such as retaining the name of Mahatma Gandhi in the scheme. Reddy noted that the earlier UPA government had introduced NREGA after consulting all states.

In other decisions, the Cabinet discussed the Musi rejuvenation project and approved the first phase of the Gandhi Sarovar project, with an estimated cost of ₹7,345 crore (approximately $882 million). Tenders for the first phase, covering 21 km, will be invited shortly. The Cabinet also resolved to assign road development along the river's banks to the relevant departments to facilitate faster travel.

The Cabinet also discussed a scheme providing breakfast, lunch, and milk to students in educational institutions and decided to extend the facility to teaching and non-teaching staff. Additionally, it approved filling 6,278 posts in different categories at the Telangana Institutes of Medical Sciences (TIMS) and the super-specialty hospital in Warangal. These hospitals will accept Letters of Credit (LoCs) issued under the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. The Cabinet also consented to land allocation for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and construction of godowns in Warangal, Kadthal, and other locations.