Hyderabad: Union Minister of Power RK Singh denied allegations that loans to Telangana were being stopped and insisted on the installation of meters. He warned that if the State government continues to spread lies, the Centre will stop providing loans.
RK Singh made these statements during a press conference held in Hyderabad, where he was accompanied by Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy. The ministers were attending a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee. Singh accused Telangana leaders of spreading rumors that the Centre was halting loans to the state. He clarified that meters could be installed for everyone except farmers, contrary to the Chief Minister’s claims. Singh also dismissed allegations of privatization as false.
The Union Minister revealed that the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) has sanctioned Rs 1,57,306 crore to Telangana, out of which loans worth Rs 1,38,000 crore have already been disbursed. The remaining balance is Rs 19,700 crore. Singh warned that if false allegations about loan stoppage persist, the Centre will indeed halt further loans. He also mentioned that Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has allocated Rs 1.10 crore in loans and disbursed Rs 91,000 crore, with the remaining Rs 21,000 crore to be disbursed soon.
Singh explained that some loans were halted due to reports indicating the state’s financial condition was nearing bankruptcy. The Centre received information that Telangana would struggle to repay the loans.
Regarding power supply, Singh highlighted the need for coal imports due to a gap between production and supply. There is a shortfall of 2.4 lakh tonnes of coal, and failure to import it could result in blackouts across the country.
Additionally, Singh announced the completion of two units in NTPC power projects with a total capacity of 1600 MW. One unit will begin commercial operation on September 26, while the second unit will commence in December. He clarified that the Centre will proceed with three more units, even if the State government does not cooperate.
