Telangana Seeks Financial Aid and Tourism Boost from Union Ministers

Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to request financial assistance and debt rescheduling. He highlighted the state's financial burdens and pending dues. Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao also met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to seek support for the state's tourism sector.

Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, seeking urgent financial assistance and resolution of pending dues under the state reorganisation Act.

Vikramarka advocated for the rescheduling of non-budgetary loans taken by the previous administration and called for a reduction in interest rates.

He outlined the state's financial distress to the Union minister, emphasizing the significant burden caused by high-interest loans from the preceding government. The additional interest payment burden has amounted to Rs 31,795 crore. Vikramarka highlighted that interest payments now surpass salary expenditures and requested intervention to secure pending central funds.

The Centre has committed to arranging a meeting between state and Union officials to address these issues.

In a separate engagement, Telangana's Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to solicit support for enhancing the state's tourism infrastructure. Shekhawat assured full cooperation for developing Telangana's tourism sector.

(With inputs from agencies.)