Latest news with #K.RamakrishnaRao
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- The Hindu
Kaleshwaram soaks in spiritual fervour as the 12-day Saraswati Pushkaralu draws to a close
Devotional fervour reached a crescendo in Kaleshwaram as the 12-day-long Saraswati Pushkaralu, which was marked by spiritual vivacity, celebration of spiritual traditions and devotional discourses, concluded amid spiritually surcharged atmosphere in the historic pilgrimage centre of Telangana's Jayashankar Bhupalpally district, on Monday (May 26, 2025). An estimated 30 lakh pilgrims took a holy dip at Triveni Sangamam, the confluence of three rivers — Godavari, Pranahita and the subterranean Aantarvahini Saraswati — in Kaleshwaram during the mega religious fete from May 15 to 26, officials said. The 'Saraswati Nava Ratnamala Harathi' was performed at the picturesque Saraswati Ghat, illuminated by colourful lights, late on Monday evening, marking the culmination of the once-in-12-years mega religious fete. Minister for IT and Industries D. Sridhar Babu, Telangana Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao and Endowments department Principal Secretary Shailaja Ramaiyer were among those present. Kaleshwaram was soaked in spiritual ecstasy as hordes of pilgrims swarmed Triveni Sangamam earlier in the day. The historic temple, dedicated to Sri Kaleshwara Mukteshwara Swamy, was abuzz with pilgrims standing in long-winding queues waiting for their turn to have darshan of the presiding deities from dawn to dusk. Speaking at Saraswati Ghat late on Monday evening, Mr. Sridhar Babu appreciated the official machinery, NGOs and others for their tireless efforts in ensuring the successful conduct of Saraswati Pushkaralu in a befitting manner.
Hans India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Telangana Government Ensures Smooth and Record-Breaking Paddy Procurement: Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy
Gadwal: Telangana State Civil Supplies Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized that the paddy procurement process must be carried out smoothly and efficiently, ensuring that farmers do not face any inconvenience. On Friday, the minister, along with State Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, conducted a video conference with district collectors from Hyderabad to review the ongoing paddy procurement process. During the conference, the minister stressed that procurement should proceed uninterrupted despite the unseasonal rains. He directed officials to ensure the availability of tarpaulins at procurement centers to protect the harvested paddy from moisture damage. He further instructed that all required logistical and infrastructure arrangements be made to transport the procured paddy promptly to rice mills. The minister also insisted that immediate payment be made to farmers for the procured paddy, and urged district collectors to monitor field-level operations closely. District Collector BM Santhosh Updates Progress Jogulamba Gadwal District Collector B.M. Santhosh provided an update during the meeting, stating that the procurement process is being conducted smoothly and transparently without any irregularities. He estimated that a record-breaking 1.38 lakh metric tonnes of paddy is expected from the district this season. So far, 50,000 metric tonnes have already been procured, and payments have been credited directly to farmers' bank accounts without delay. An additional 88,000 metric tonnes remain to be collected. He compared this year's figures with the previous year, when only 2,109 metric tonnes of paddy were procured in the district by May 15, 2024, and Rs. 5.65 crore was paid to farmers. In contrast, this year, as of May 15, 2025, 50,834 metric tonnes have been procured, and Rs. 55.89 lakh has already been disbursed to the farmers. Collector Santhosh highlighted that the influx of paddy at procurement centers indicates a massive 2,500% increase in procurement compared to the previous year. He assured that the government is committed to purchasing every single grain of paddy brought by farmers. Officials Participating in the Video Conference The video conference was attended by District Additional Collectors Lakshminarayana and Narsing Rao, District Civil Supplies Manager Vimala, District Cooperative Officer Srinivas, District Marketing Officer Pushpamma, Agriculture Officer Sakriya Naik, and several other key officials. This comprehensive initiative underscores the Telangana government's commitment to supporting farmers by ensuring a smooth procurement process, timely payments, and strong logistical support amidst challenging weather conditions.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Govt. focussing on infrastructure development as priority area, says Chief Secretary
The Telangana government is focussing on development of infrastructure as its priority area as it will lead to further growth and ensure more revenues to the State. 'We have initiated efforts to mobilise resources and incur capital expenditure on infrastructure development as it will have a cascading effect on other sectors,' said Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao. He underlined the need for targeted spending on the upcoming Future City, roads, drinking water and other infrastructure, asserting that everything comes to a standstill in the absence of required infrastructure. 'This is our basic overall scheme for the coming days,' he told The Hindu. The government is exploring multiple options like setting targets to revenue-earning departments, aggressive steps to prevent leakages and contemplation of initiatives like one-time settlement schemes for realising long-pending dues to raise the required resources. Tracking taxpayers to ensure compliance and leasing/monetising properties are among the areas that are being looked into. He added that they were also looking at externally aided projects to finance the development. Plugging loopholes The Chief Secretary, who recently assumed charge, said the performance of the revenue-earning departments will depend partly on effectively plugging loopholes and partly on the economic scenario. 'There are some departments, like vehicle sales, which register impressive growth when there is a boom. There are others like liquor where we cannot go beyond a certain limit,' he said, explaining that the focus on checking fake input tax credit ensured recovery of ₹100 crore in the past couple of months. When asked about the steps taken to forge effective interdepartmental coordination, Mr. Ramakrishna Rao said he will endeavour to ensure that things do not get stuck between departments. In addition to focussing on meeting the senior officials involved, he added that steps have been initiated to leverage technology to ensure virtual meetings with different departments and teleconferences on regular basis to assess the progress achieved in different parameters. 'I don't want to conduct meetings more than necessary. Meetings will be short but with a very clear agenda on targets set and achievements made,' he said, adding that the officials concerned will go back with specific action plans at the end of the meetings. Mr. Ramakrishna Rao said he gave equal importance to meeting junior-level officers to know their interests, know about the good initiatives they propose and overall 'to know them as persons and officers'. Mentoring the officers is important as addressing their issues will ensure that they are inspired to perform well.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Telangana's top official inspects Foot Overbridge and other infra projects in Hyderabad
Telangana's top official inspected the progress of the major infrastructure projects in Hyderabad on Sunday morning (May 4, 2025). The new Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao along with officials from Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) checked the progress in works pertaining to Foot Overbridge (FOB), road expansion for Hyderabad Metro Rail extension, flyover and others on Sunday (May 4, 2025) morning. He directed the officials concerned to expedite the pace of work for timely completion while ensuring the quality parameters of each work are strictly adhered to. Survey to construct more FOBs The Chief Secretary inspected the foot over bridge being built in Banjara Hills which is nearing completion. Secretary Metropolitan Area and Urban Development (HMDA limits) K. Ilambarthi informed the Chief Secretary that 42 FOBs are at functional stage in different parts of the city while survey is being done for taking up construction of FOBs in other places as well, as per a press note which added that the FOBs are being built to ensure pedestrian safety, ease traffic flow and also to enhance urban aesthetics and accessibility through modern architectural elements. Pedestrians have been pointing out that they are forced to walk long distances to cross roads and demanded authorities to ensure measures are taken to help them cross roads safely. The Chief Secretary also inspected the conservation, restoration and repair works of the Khurshid Jah Devdi at Hussaini Alam, Charminar, ongoing works at Moosarambagh Flyover, Falaknuma Road Over bridge and Sewerage Treatment Plant at Amberpet. He enquired about the road widening works from MG bus station to Chandrayanagutta for the extension of the metro rail which is being taken up at a cost of ₹ 2741 crore.
Hans India
04-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Final touches to DPRs for Part B of Hyderabad Metro's second phase
The Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for Phase-2 (Part B) of the Hyderabad Metro Rail are being given final touches, said Telangana Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao. The DPRs would be reviewed in an upcoming Board meeting of Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML), followed by the state government's approval before submission to the Central government, he said. The Chief Secretary stated that the DPRs for JBS–Medchal (24.5 km), JBS–Shamirpet (22 km), and Shamshabad–Future City (40 km) corridors were getting finalised. The state government is awaiting the Centre's nod for Phase-II 'A' which comprises five corridors of 76.4 km. This is estimated to cost Rs 24,269 crore. All five proposed corridors under Part-A of the Phase-II will be the extension of three corridors of the first phase. The daily ridership under the second phase is expected to be 7.96 lakh by 2028. The first phase of the Hyderabad Metro, covering three dense traffic corridors and spanning over 69 km, was built with a cost of Rs. 22,148 crore. It is the world's largest Metro Rail project in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. About five lakh passengers are using it for their daily commute. Ramakrishna Rao, who assumed office as the Chief Secretary on April 30, inspected the Metro Rail Corridor in Old City along with HAML Managing Director N.V.S. Reddy. He examined the ongoing road expansion works along the metro rail route. Expressing satisfaction, he noted the significant progress made in an area that had been neglected for over a decade. The HAML MD briefed the Chief Secretary about the ongoing demolition of the affected properties along the 7.5-kilometre metro corridor from MGBS to Chandrayangutta. The Chief Secretary closely examined the demolition works from Darul Shifa to Shalibanda Junction, where several impacted structures were being removed. N.V.S. Reddy explained that the project team was carefully handling the relocation of the intertwined electrical, telephone, and cable TV lines to avoid disruptions. He assured that despite narrow, congested roads, demolition was proceeding systematically to minimise inconvenience to the public. The Metro MD stated that around 105 religious, historical, and sensitive structures exist in the corridor, and utmost care was being taken to ensure they remained unharmed. The CS commended the Metro MD and other officials for effectively addressing challenges while progressing with the expansion. He directed them to ensure safe demolition and debris clearance, preventing any untoward incident. Expressing satisfaction with the progress, he promised quick release of funds to accelerate work.
