Empty exchequer claims ring hollow as Congress govt spends Rs 59.6 lakh for two rooms in Secretariat

Despite repeated claims by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy that Telangana’s finances are in distress, the Congress government has sanctioned Rs 59.60 lakh for interior works in the Secretariat. The expenditure has raised questions about the government’s spending priorities.

Hyderabad: Even as the Congress government continues to insist that the State exchequer is virtually empty, it has sanctioned over Rs 59.60 lakh for glass partitions, furniture and interior modifications for two rooms in the Secretariat meant for the Chief Minister’s advisor’s staff and the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO).

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has repeatedly told the public that Telangana’s finances are in distress, claiming the government is struggling to raise loans and meet essential commitments. However, two separate government orders issued recently tell a different story.

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One order earmarks Rs 36.40 lakh for providing glass partitions, furniture and other modifications to accommodate the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and staff of the CM’s advisor in two rooms on the sixth floor of the Secretariat.

A second order sanctions Rs 23.20 lakh for similar works, including glass-partitioned chambers, office furniture, and electrical and networking points for the CPRO attached to the Chief Minister.

The expenditure, cleared despite repeated assertions of an empty treasury, has raised questions over the government’s spending priorities at a time when it continues to plead financial helplessness.

G.Os.: