Telangana Government Pledges to Revive Singareni Through Job Creation and Mining Expansion

Hyderabad: The Telangana government is committed to revitalizing Singareni by creating fresh employment avenues and expanding mining operations across the coal sector, according to Labour, Employment, Mines and Geology Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy.

The Minister made these remarks during a visit to the underground operations of the KK-5 mine in Mandamarri, where he toured the facility alongside workers and assessed the conditions in which mining operations are conducted. Following the inspection, he held discussions with workers to understand their grievances and aspirations.

During these conversations, workers raised concerns regarding Income Tax complications stemming from PRC arrears and sought assistance to achieve their housing objectives. The Minister acknowledged these issues, noting that the government had escalated the PRC Income Tax matter to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for resolution. He also highlighted that MP Vamsi Krishna is actively working through Parliament to secure a monthly pension of Rs. 10,000 for retired Singareni employees.

Dr. Venkatswamy criticized the previous administration for its approach to Singareni, stating that the earlier government had sidelined the corporation and drained its finances. He pointed out that no new mining operations were initiated during that period. In contrast, he emphasized the importance of workers maintaining rigorous safety protocols while prioritizing quality coal output.

The Minister attended a recognition ceremony honoring Shram Shakti Award recipient Yedukola Pawan Kumar at the facility. During his address, he referenced the historical connection between the Kaka family and Singareni's workforce, recalling that former Union Minister Kaka Venkataswamy had secured Rs. 400 crore for the organization and safeguarded approximately one lakh employment positions.

Regarding current initiatives, the Minister stated that the state administration is facilitating Singareni's involvement in coal block auctions in accordance with Central government guidelines. He also announced that the forthcoming RKP Opencast Phase-2 project would generate approximately 5,000 employment opportunities, with mining operations to commence following receipt of necessary forest approvals.

The Minister further assured contractual workers that wage enhancement measures would be implemented soon under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's administration. At the conclusion of the event, he felicitated Shram Shakti awardees Pawan Kumar and Pulluri Laxman and participated in a safety commitment ceremony with workers.

N. Radhakrishna, the Mandamarri Area General Manager, along with representatives from trade unions, administrative personnel, and workers, were present at the programme.