Telangana Seeks Enhanced Central Support for Rural Road Development Programme

Hyderabad: During a regional meeting of southern states focused on the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Telangana's State Rural Development Minister Dr Danasari Anasuya Seethakka made an appeal to the central government for greater financial support and expanded road infrastructure projects across the state, with particular emphasis on remote tribal regions.

The meeting, held in Hyderabad, was attended by Union Rural Development Ministry Joint Secretary Atithi Singh, the NRIDA Director General, and senior officials representing southern states.

Minister Seethakka highlighted the transformative impact of the PMGSY scheme over its 25-year history, noting how it has enhanced connectivity to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, employment opportunities, and commercial markets in rural communities. She underscored the programme's role in linking isolated tribal settlements with surrounding developed areas.

Funding Pattern Concerns

A key focus of Seethakka's remarks centred on the evolving financial structure of the scheme. She noted that while the Centre previously shouldered the entire financial responsibility under PMGSY, the current policy framework requires states to contribute 40 per cent of project costs. The minister called on the central authorities to reconsider this funding arrangement and extend special concessions to states facing geographical challenges and economic constraints.

Regulatory Obstacles to Development

Seethakka raised concerns about regulatory hurdles affecting road connectivity projects in tribal-dominated districts including Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Adilabad, and Asifabad. She indicated that forest and wildlife protection regulations were creating delays in road construction initiatives within these regions. Additionally, the minister pointed out that forest clearance procedures were impeding efforts to repair and upgrade deteriorated roads and culvert infrastructure in various areas.

The minister requested the Centre to revise forest and wildlife regulations to facilitate improved tribal development and enhanced rural connectivity.

State's Infrastructure Commitment

Seethakka emphasised that Telangana has prioritised rural infrastructure advancement as a key development agenda. She noted the state's adoption of contemporary construction methodologies and its implementation of the Hybrid Annuity Model for sustaining rural road networks.

The minister further appealed for additional project sanctioning under PMGSY-4, arguing that expanded initiatives would strengthen rural residents' access to commercial centres, educational institutions, medical facilities, and developmental services.

Central Government Response

Officials representing the Union government responded favourably to the state's proposals. Joint Secretary Singh indicated that the Centre would conduct a thorough examination of concerns related to forest and wildlife regulatory frameworks. He stated that relevant agencies would explore measures to expedite approval processes and accelerate road construction activities.