Harish Rao slams Congress govt for starving corporations of funds

BRS leader T Harish Rao accused the Congress government of reducing State-run corporations to political rehabilitation centres by appointing chairpersons without releasing funds, leaving most corporations defunct and unable to serve marginalised communities.

Hyderabad: BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao on Wednesday accused the Congress government of turning State-run corporations into rehabilitation centres for political appointees, while starving them of funds.

Demanding immediate corrective steps, he urged the government to release pending dues and ensure proper funding and utilisation, instead of merely distributing posts without responsibility.

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Reacting to the appointment of chairpersons to 17 corporations, Harish Rao said the government was prioritising posts over purpose.

“What is the use of appointing chairpersons if there is no funding? These bodies are being rendered defunct,” he said.

He alleged that the government had failed to release funds to a majority of the 33 corporations in the State over the last two-and-a-half years, ignoring their core objective of supporting marginalised communities.

Harish Rao said as many as 21 corporations have not received a single rupee, including those meant for SC, ST, minority and Backward Class communities.

Citing official data, he said out of Rs 14,521 crore allocated to these corporations, only Rs 3,198 crore had been released, with actual utilisation pegged at just Rs 305 crore.

“Even those appointed earlier completed their tenure without being able to extend any meaningful assistance,” he said.

He termed the situation shameful, alleging discrimination against several communities whose corporations remain inactive due to lack of funds. He also accused the government of abandoning welfare initiatives introduced during the previous BRS regime and failing to support traditional occupations.