Congress Govt cites fund crunch for welfare, but splurges on Ministers’ quarters

Despite citing financial constraints for development and welfare schemes, the Telangana government has sanctioned over Rs 1 crore within two weeks for renovation and sanitary works at the official residences of two Ministers, triggering criticism over spending priorities.

Hyderabad: Even as the Telangana government claims financial strain in funding development and welfare schemes, fresh spending for the Ministers’ comforts is drawing criticism. The government has released over Rs.1 crore for civil and sanitary works for two Ministers within two weeks.

In its orders issued on Tuesday, the government sanctioned Rs 76 lakh for civil and sanitary works at Minister’s Quarters No. 29 in Banjara Hills, which was recently allotted to Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin. The works fall under capital outlay for government residential buildings, with the Roads and Buildings Department tasked to execute them.

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This is not an isolated case. Less than two weeks ago, Rs 30 lakh was cleared for renovations at Health Minister Damodara Raja Narasimha’s official residence in the same Ministers’ Quarters. That package reportedly covered bathroom upgrades, kitchen works, wardrobes and electrical fittings.

The fund allocations were made amid repeated claims from the government that funds were scarce for constituency works, welfare payments and pending contractor bills, apart from salaries of employees in different sections.