metro india news  I hyderabad

A major storm has erupted in Telangana’s Power Department after allegations surfaced that a senior officer has been demanding five lakh rupees for clearing each file related to power connections and project approvals. The officer, who occupies one of the most powerful posts in the department, reportedly made it clear that no file would be cleared without payment. His signature is essential for every major electricity-related project in the state, and no factory, hospital, multiplex, or commercial complex can begin operations without his inspection and approval.

Officials say the officer’s approval system has turned into a fixed-rate racket. Instead of reviewing each file on merit, the officer allegedly set a blanket demand of five lakh rupees per file. Those who agree get quick clearances, while those who refuse or question the demand face outright rejection. Department staff say the rule is now an open secret — “five lakhs for clearance” has become the code phrase for approval.

Since this position handles all such files across Telangana, thousands of applications pass through his office every year. Insiders estimate that nearly 2,500 to 3,000 project files are received annually, all requiring his personal inspection. In the last two months alone, he is said to have cleared about 70 files. Even at a minimum rate of five lakh rupees each, that amounts to around 3.5 crore rupees in just sixty days. At this pace, his unofficial earnings could easily cross several crores by the end of the year.

Employees claim that the officer, after taking charge recently, completely changed how the department functions. Earlier, small payments were reportedly made at various levels, but after his arrival, he centralized the entire system. Staff say he declared that only he would decide file clearances — no lower-level dealings would be tolerated. Applicants now have to approach him directly or through trusted intermediaries, making the process more controlled and profitable for him.

Andhra Officer in key Telangana post raises resentment

The officer, originally from Andhra Pradesh, is said to have secured this prestigious Telangana posting through strong political connections. Several senior Telangana-born officers were reportedly bypassed despite being eligible. His appointment created anger among the power sector unions, who argued that after the formation of Telangana, such crucial positions should go to local officers familiar with the state’s needs.

Initially, employee unions voiced strong opposition and questioned why a non-local official was being given charge of such an influential post. However, the protests faded after it became clear that the appointment had the backing of top government figures. Within weeks of assuming office, the officer’s name became synonymous with high-value deals and clearance-based commissions.

The growing resentment among Telangana’s power employees is now being directed at the government itself. Many feel the administration has ignored repeated complaints of corruption and favoritism. The controversy has reignited the debate over how key administrative posts are allocated, with several unions demanding transparency and accountability in future appointments.

As allegations continue to spread within the department and among project applicants, there is increasing pressure on the government to order an internal probe. Whether the administration takes serious action or treats it as yet another routine complaint will decide how deep the rot has spread within one of Telangana’s most vital public service departments.