Cabinet set for key calls on PRC, pensions & infra push

Hyderabad: The state cabinet, which will meet on Monday, is likely to discuss some key issues, including the assurance given to govt employees' JAC on Pay Revision Commission (PRC), Dearness Allowance (DAs), 6,000 crore to be released to pensioners within 100 days and overall financial implications.The cabinet meeting, to be chaired by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, is also expected to discuss the state govt plans to take up Phase II-A and B of Hyderabad Metro Rail project and the follow-up action needed to be taken with the central govt. The state recently took over Phase I of the project from L&T.Sources said among other important issue that are likely to be discussed at length in the cabinet meeting is govt's resolve to take up construction of a barrage at Tummidihatti, as part of its commitment to revive the Pranahita-Chevella project and the programmes, inaugurations and foundation to be laid on the occasion of Telangana Formation Day celebrations on June 2."The CM has already directed irrigation minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy to speak to Union minister G Kishan Reddy so that talks can be initiated with the Maharashtra govt. Telangana wants to take up Tummidihatti project at 150 metres height and Revanth wants to meet Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. The main issue is submergence of areas in Maharashtra if the barrage at Tummidihatti is constructed; as a result, a final decision has to be taken on the maximum height," a senior official said.Four alternative alignment proposals for linking Tummidihatti with Yellampalli were under the examination of the Telangana govt. RV Associates and IIT Hyderabad, commissioned to study the options, have submitted their joint recommendations, which are now being scrutinised for feasibility, cost and efficiency. The cabinet will discuss this too.‘TGSRTC merger'The cabinet would also deliberate on the crucial issue of merger of TGRTC employees with the state govt. Also, deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka announced in his budget speech that two lakh new applicants would be covered under pensions, and a decision on its implementation is likely to be taken.Sources did not rule out the possibility of the cabinet discussing MPTC, ZPTC and GHMC elections, Musi rejuvenation project, resource mobilisation, paddy procurement and PM Narendra Modi's visit to the city on May 10.