Telangana Cabinet scraps two-child norm for local body polls, approves takeover of Hyderabad Metro first phase

Hyderabad: Telangana Cabinet has decided to take over the first phase of Hyderabad Metro from L&T and abolish the two-child norm for local body polls.

Chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the Cabinet greenlit key initiatives, including issuing tenders for constructing 5,566 km of roads for Rs. 10,547 and full paddy procurement for farmers.

Two-child norm abolished for Local Body Polls

The Cabinet removed the rule that barred individuals with more than two children from contesting Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs), ward members, and sarpanches.

Minister for Information and Public Relations Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said the decision followed multiple representations, noting that strict population control measures are already in place across the state.

Hyderabad Metro expansion to accelerate

The government decided to take over the first phase of Hyderabad Metro from L&T, currently run under a public-private partnership, as the arrangement is delaying Phase 2A and 2B expansion.

A high-level committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary and including senior officials from Finance, MAUD, Law, Metro Rail, and Urban Transport, will study the feasibility of the takeover. Their recommendations will guide the Cabinet Sub-Committee on resource mobilisation before a final decision is made.

Full Paddy procurement, bonus for farmers

The state will procure the entire paddy crop this monsoon season. With a record 1.48 crore tonnes produced, 80 lakh metric tonnes are expected to reach procurement centers.

The Central government has agreed to purchase 50 lakh tonnes, and the state has requested an additional 15–20 lakh tonnes. Farmers will also receive Rs. 500 per quintal as a bonus for fine paddy varieties, in addition to the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Three New Agriculture Colleges approved

The Cabinet approved setting up Agriculture Colleges in Huzurnagar, Kodangal, and Nizamabad to strengthen agricultural education across Telangana.

Preparations for Two-Year Government Celebrations

A Cabinet sub-committee will organize state-wide events from December 1 to 9 to mark the government’s two-year milestone.

Higher Education Reforms at NALSAR

The Cabinet approved the allocation of an additional seven acres to NALSAR University of Law’s Hyderabad campus and increased the local student quota from 25% to 50%.

Major Infrastructure Projects Greenlit

Road Construction: Tenders will be issued for 5,566 km of roads at Rs. 10,547 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), connecting Gram Panchayats, mandal, district, and state headquarters.

Railway Line Acquisition: The state will spend Rs. 438 crore to acquire 845 hectares for the Krishna-Vikarabad broad gauge line.

Defence Land Allotment: 435.08 acres allotted to the Defence Department to facilitate elevated corridor projects in Greater Hyderabad.

Mannanoor-Srisailam Elevated Corridor: Telangana will bear one-third of Rs. 7,500 crore for the 75-km corridor, built jointly with the Central government over reserved urban forest areas.