Special team to probe Dharani irregularities

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana Cabinet on Friday approved the constitution of a Special Enquiry Team (SET) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities and illegal land transactions carried out through the Dharani portal since its launch in October 2020.

The Cabinet decided that all land registrations, mutations, transfers involving agricultural lands, assigned lands, government lands, and other suspicious transactions processed through the portal from October 29, 2020, would be subjected to a detailed probe.

The decision follows a forensic audit that reportedly identified more than 10,000 suspicious transactions linked to the portal. The SET has been tasked with examining digital land records, login credentials used to access the system, changes made to land records, official approvals granted for such changes, alterations in land classifications, and the details of beneficiaries involved in the transactions.

The Cabinet also ordered an inquiry into the role of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS), which managed the Dharani portal. The investigation will cover the selection of the service provider, the tendering process, award of the contract, portal design, system architecture, and possible vulnerabilities in data security that may have enabled irregularities.

According to the Cabinet, although the present government has introduced the Bhu Bharati system by replacing several modules of the Dharani portal to make land administration more farmer-friendly, irregularities linked to the original software continue to surface.

The government said the investigation would establish accountability for any manipulation of land records or illegal transactions facilitated through the portal. It reiterated that those found responsible, irrespective of their position or status, would face strict action based on the findings of the SET.

The Cabinet maintained that the probe is aimed at ensuring transparency in land administration, restoring public confidence in digital land records, and safeguarding the interests of genuine landowners and farmers.

To seek Centre's support to tackle drought, El Niño impact

The Telangana Cabinet on Friday decided to write to the Central Government seeking assistance to address the prevailing drought conditions and the impact of El Niño across the state.

The Cabinet resolved to submit a detailed report highlighting the effects of deficient rainfall on agriculture, allied sectors, drinking water supply, irrigation and rural livelihoods. It will urge the Centre to send a special team to assess the ground situation and provide financial assistance for implementing El Niño contingency measures.

The Cabinet directed the State Planning Board, under the leadership of Vice Chairman Chinna Reddy, to prepare a comprehensive report on the impact of El Niño on agriculture. The report, to be prepared in consultation with agricultural experts and scientists. 

The Cabinet also approved the completion of the Mukteshwar Lift Irrigation Scheme (Mini Kaleshwaram). The project proposes to lift 4.50 TMC of water from the Godavari River at Kannepalli to provide irrigation to about 45,000 acres in the Manthani Assembly constituency. The government approved the remaining works required to complete the project after assessing the works already executed.