In a significant policy shift, the Telangana state cabinet, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, has decided to eliminate the two-child restriction that previously barred individuals with more than two children from participating in local body elections. This decision was announced following a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
State Information Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy stated that the cabinet reviewed the existing rule and concluded that removing it would support effective population control measures within the state.
In other key decisions, the cabinet reviewed the state’s impressive paddy production, which reached 80 lakh metric tonnes during the last Kharif season. While the Central Government has approved the procurement of 50 lakh metric tonnes, the state plans to request an additional 15 lakh metric tonnes. To further support farmers, the cabinet approved a bonus of ₹500 per quintal for fine variety paddy over the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Additionally, to commemorate two years of the current government’s tenure, a nine-day public celebration titled “Praja Palana – Praja Vijayotsavalu” is scheduled from December 1 to 9. A dedicated cabinet sub-committee will be formed to oversee the arrangements and execution of this event.
The cabinet also prioritized the expansion of the Metro Rail Phase 2A and 2B. Discussions were held regarding the possibility of the state government taking over the project’s operations from the current public-private partnership model with L&T. A high-level committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, will conduct a feasibility study and submit its findings to a cabinet sub-committee for a final decision.