Coffers dry, ‘There is no land left to give for the poor’: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

Telangana Chief Minister One Revanth Reddy on Monday said state coffers “have dried up and the government has no land left to distribute to the poor”.

Addressing a gathering at Osmania University after inaugurating newly constructed hostels and laying foundation stones for various buildings, Reddy expressed concern over increasing drug abuse and ganja abuse in the state, urging intellectuals to deliberate on the issue.

“Today you cannot neglect education. I will tell you the real situation. I have no land to distribute to the poor. Even if I wanted to make you rich, the coffers are empty. Land is also not available,” he said.

Telangana has 1.5 crore acres of agricultural land, of which 96% is held by small and marginal farmers owning one to three acres each.

“Even if I bring a land ceiling law, I cannot acquire additional land. So, quality education is the only resource I can offer to my SC, ST and minority brothers,” he added.

Reddy had earlier in May described Telangana’s financial situation as being in the “marast”, noting that the state could not accommodate fresh loans due to a lack of confidence among bankers.

The chief minister also highlighted that the state employed 1.5 lakh people in the private sector in the last 20 months.

He asserted that Telangana is now a developed state with the central government recognizing it as a leader in state revenue, law and order and police.