Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy met with Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, in New Delhi today, urging the release of long-pending dues amounting to Rs.1,891 crore related to rice supply.

He also requested an extension of the Custom Milling Rice (CMR) delivery period from one month to four months to streamline supply operations. The Chief Minister was accompanied by State Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy.

During the meeting, the CM highlighted that Rs.1,468.94 crore has been pending for the supply of rice to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) during the 2014-15 Kharif season. He explained that the amount pertains to additional levy collection borne by the State Government and requested the Centre to clear the dues, which have been pending for nearly a decade.

In addition, the CM sought the release of Rs.343.27 crore for rice supplied under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY) from May 2021 to April 2022 and Rs.79.09 crore under the Non-NFSA (National Food Security Act) scheme from June 2021 to April 2022. The CM also emphasized that the one-month CMR delivery period is insufficient and requested an extension to four months to prevent delays in rice distribution.

CM seeks restoration of 4,000 MW Solar Power allocation under PM-KUSUM CM Revanth Reddy also urged the Union Minister, who also holds the Renewable Energy portfolio, to restore Telangana’s 4,000 MW solar power generation allocation under the PM-KUSUM scheme. He pointed out that the Centre had initially approved 4,000 MW for Telangana but later reduced it to 1,000 MW, affecting the State’s renewable energy projects.

The CM explained that the State Government is actively encouraging women self-help groups (SHGs) to become entrepreneurs in solar power generation. Restoring the full 4,000 MW allocation would significantly support this initiative and contribute to Telangana’s clean energy goals.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi responded positively to the requests made by CM Revanth Reddy and Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy. He assured that Centre would examine the pending financial dues and reconsider the solar power allocation request. Senior officials, including CMO Secretary Manikraj, State Civil Supplies Commissioner D.S. Chauhan, and Telangana Bhavan Resident Commissioner Gaurav Uppal, were also present during the discussions.