Telangana cabinet okays ₹200-crore scheme for conversion of fuel autos into electric vehicles

The Telangana cabinet, led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, recently approved a ₹200 crore plan to convert petrol and diesel-powered auto rickshaws into electric vehicles within the Core Urban Region of Hyderabad. The initiative aims to curb automobile pollution and transform the city into a sustainable urban center. State Information and Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy informed reporters that there are about 18,766 such autos currently in operation within the CURE area.

The government plans to offer a subsidy of up to ₹1.50 lakh per vehicle to encourage the shift to electric autos. Additionally, the cabinet decided to promote the cultivation of seven specific varieties of fine-grain paddy during the Kharif season, promising a bonus of ₹500 per quintal for these crops. The decision also includes a broader awareness campaign through gram panchayats and Rythu Vedikas to encourage farmers to grow these varieties.

Furthermore, the cabinet plans to integrate Industrial Training Institutes, Advanced Training Centres, and polytechnic colleges under the umbrella of the Young India Skills University. This shift aims to align the state's technical and vocational education infrastructure with a skills university. The government also approved the establishment of Young India Integrated Residential School complexes in seven assembly constituencies, with permissions granted for 86 school complexes in total.

Moreover, the cabinet extended the deadline for applications under the Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation policy, allowing submissions until October 31. The Telangana Rising Global Summit 2.0, tentatively scheduled for December 7-9, will focus on promoting investments in defense, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals, with the Future City plan set to be unveiled during the event.