Telangana orders CBI Probe into power deals amid delay in Kaleshwaram case

Metro India News | Hyderabad

The Telangana Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, on Monday approved handing over the probe into alleged irregularities in power purchase agreements (PPAs) and the Bhadradri and Yadadri thermal power projects to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision assumes significance as the state’s earlier request for a CBI investigation into the Kaleshwaram project is yet to take off, even as another major case has now been entrusted to the central agency.

The Cabinet reviewed the findings of the inquiry commission initially constituted in March 2024 under retired Justice L. Narasimha Reddy and later headed by Justice Madan B. Lokur following Supreme Court directions. The commission submitted a 114 page report in October 2024, which was subsequently examined along with the opinion of the Advocate General. Considering the inter state dimensions and the involvement of central public sector entities, the Cabinet decided that a fair and impartial probe would be best ensured through a CBI investigation. Officials have been directed to expedite the process.

Briefing the media after the nearly four hour meeting, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy outlined several other key decisions. The Cabinet approved rationalisation of land market values across the state to correct disparities between government notified rates and prevailing market prices. Revised values are expected to come into effect by the end of this month.

In a relief to applicants under the HILT policy, the Cabinet allowed beneficiaries to pay 10 percent upfront at current rates, with the remaining 90 percent payable within 90 days. The Cabinet also directed immediate assessment and relief measures for farmers affected by recent unseasonal rains.

The government approved an MoU to hand over the Nalgonda Rangareddy Milk Producers Cooperative Union (NARMAC) to the National Dairy Development Board for better management, processing, and marketing of dairy products.

Further, approval was granted for setting up solar power generation plants at 33 by 11 kV substations in nine districts, with pilot projects at 18 locations involving an investment of about Rs 66.50 crore for 19 MW capacity.

To improve municipal finances, the Cabinet cleared a one time settlement scheme to recover long pending dues from government offices, waiving penalties and interest that would fetch over Rs 1600 crore to HMWSSB. It also approved irrigation infrastructure works in Khammam district, integration of ITIs and polytechnics under the Young India Skill University, and allocation of 42 acres for a modern vegetable market in Aziznagar, Rangareddy district.

Overall, the meeting focused on governance reforms, infrastructure expansion, and financial restructuring alongside the high profile decision to initiate a CBI probe into the power sector.