HYDERABAD: Rejecting the criticism of Telangana government that the Centre is releasing more funds to Andhra Pradesh, Union minister for Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya on Sunday said the government is treating both the Telegu-speaking States equally, while releasing funds, allotting projects and sanctioning schemes.
“For instance, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 415.51 crore to Telangana State under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)for the development of 11 cities in the State,” he noted. Speaking to reporters here on Sunday, Dattatreya advised Telangana to send detailed project reports (DPR) for proposed projects for Central support. “I don’t agree with the allegation that the Centre is discriminating against the Telangana State. All States are equal for Centre. If the State government sends us detailed project reports on proposed projects, we would see to it that it is cleared at the earliest and funds released to the State,” he assured.
The BJP veteran also urged the TRS government to maintain good rapport with Centre for the larger interest of Telangana. “TS government should give up confrontation mode and coordinate with the Centre to avail maximum benefit from the Centre,” he said.
Though the Telangana government had sought only Rs 405.17 crore under the AMRUT scheme, the Centre sanctioned Rs 415.51 crore, noted Dattatreya. Besides, it had sanctioned Rs 20 crore for taking up development activities in Hyderabad and about Rs 80 crore for tourism development in the State, he added.
Revealing the details of Central projects coming up in Telangana, the Union minister said the Centre would soon lay foundation stone for a 5,000 mw NTPC power plant in Ramagundam. “This project has got all clearances and would be executed soon,” he said.
Dattatreya said the Centre would soon set up a 50-bedded hospital for NTPC Ramagundam workers. “Once the survey is completed to enlist the workers at the power plant and other industries in the area, the proposal would be sent to the Centre for approval,” he added.