BC reservation Bill, SCs sub-categorisation, Future City outlined by Telangana Governor at commencement of budget session

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma presenting traditional address in Assembly, marking the commencement of budget session on Wednesday (March 12, 2025).
| Photo Credit: Screenshot of video on handle @TelanganaCMO on X

Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma reiterated the State Government’s commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening infrastructure and empowering every citizen.

Telangana stands at the cusp of a transformative era driven by a vision of inclusive growth, technological leadership and sustainable development. The expansion of metro rail networks, the ambitious Musi river rejuvenation project and the development of Future City are set to redefine urban living and economic potential. By attracting investments and establishing Telangana as a leader in renewable energy, artificial intelligence and high tech industries, the government was paving the way for future that balances progress with sustainability, the Governor said.

The State’s commitment to clean and green energy coupled with strategic initiatives like the AI City and enhanced digital infrastructure will ensure that Telangana emerges as a beacon of modernity and opportunity. Telangana of today is a State of possibilities of growth and of empowerment. “The Telangana of tomorrow will be even greater – a State that leads in economic development, agricultural strength, technological innovation, social justice and human dignity,” the Governor said presenting the traditional address to the joint sitting of the State Legislature on Wednesday (March 12, 2025), marking the commencement of the budget session for finalising the annual financial statement for 2025-26.

There were minor disruptions during the address occasionally with the ruling party members cheering the gathering when Governor made mention of the achievements of the Congress Government in the last 15 months and the main Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) members countering them.

The Governor made mention of the initiatives like free bus travel to women, crop loan waiver and ₹12,000 assistance to landless tillers taken by the Government. These were in addition to the recruitment for 55,000 vacant posts, enhancement of diet and cosmetic charges for students in Government hostels and LPG cylinders at subsidised price of ₹500 to eligible families. The address took note of the Indira Mahila Shakti Mission aimed at creating one crore women entrepreneurs with an outlay of ₹1 lakh crore.

Elaborating on social justice and equal opportunities, Mr. Varma recalled the comprehensive caste survey conducted recently describing it as a groundbreaking initiative, a crucial step, towards building an equitable and inclusive society by generating precise data that would shape policies tailored to uplift marginalised communities. The survey was conducted with utmost transparency, scientific methodology and rigorous verification process.

“In a landmark move towards social justice, Telangana Government has proposed a Bill to provide legislative backing for 42% reservation for Backward Classes based on the findings of the survey. This proposal aims to correct historical under-representation by ensuring fair access to education, employment and governance of BC communities,” he said.

The Government was also set to introduce a Bill for the sub-categorisation of the Scheduled Castes based on the recommendations of Justice Shameem Akhtar Commission. The proposed legislation envisaged a more just and balanced distribution of reservation benefits among the SC communities prioritising the most marginalised sections.

On the industrial front, he said the Government was committed to strengthening infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes and fostering innovation to attract global investments with special focus on the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) providing them with tailored support, access to advanced technology and financial assistance. The Governor recalled how the Telangana Rising delegation led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy succeeded in securing ₹1.78 lakh crore investments paving way for 49,500 jobs during the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting. Key sectors like data centres, green energy, electric vehicles and others saw major investments that resonated strongly with global investors.

While a new policy was unveiled in the interests of the MSME sector, the government had come up with first of its tourism policy for Telangana enabling the State to emerge as a premier tourist destination. The government was also working to establish 6,000 EV charging stations by 2029-30 to support clean mobility to enhance energy security, attract investments and generate jobs positioning the State as a national leader in clean energy and climate action.