What is the row surrounding Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation or HILT policy of Telangana government?
The policy permits the conversion of 9,292 acres of land in 22 industrial estates into multi-use zones at 30 percent of sub-registrar office values.
Hyderabad: Telangana state government has faced backlash after it introduced Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation (HILT) policy, which seeks to convert industrial land in and near the Outer Ring Road (ORR) to productive, urban spaces.
The policy was cleared by the cabinet on November 18 but a GO was not issued, for reasons official have not yet explained. The policy includes the concept of multi-use zones to convert industrial lands into commercial, residential, institutional, recreational areas.
How much land is proposed for HILT?
The state government has proposed to convert vast swathes of land – a staggering 9,292 acres as a part of the policy. It has said announced that the conversion fee will be charged at 30 to 50 percent of Sub-registrar Office (SRO) rates for plots existing on less than 80 ft roads.
The policy will reportedly generate Rs 4,000 to 5,000 crore in revenues for the state, Minister Sridhar Babu said.
Where this policy is applicable:
It is applicable at all industrial estates, parks, auto nagars under TGIIC/IALA and standalone industrial units within and near ORR. The TGIIC Vice Chairman and Managing Director will soon prepare the operational guidelines required for this policy and submit it to the government.
Opposition slams state government, senses scam:
However, opposition parties BRS and BJP slammed the government for the policy and sensed a huge scam.
BRS working president KT Rama Rao has said that CM Revanth Reddy is scheming to give away government land to his ‘near and dear ones’ at throw away prices. He further stated that the CM is disguising it as land transformation policy. BJP said that it is land looting policy driven by motives to enrich themselves and private players at the cost of industries and jobs.
Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy has accused the state of struggling to pay the salaries of employees and resorting to selling government land to cover expenses.
Telangana govt demands vigilance probe on leak:
Meanwhile, the government has asked for a vigilance probe into how the details of the policy landed with the BRS before a GO was issued. The government has suspected leaks from within and asked the chief secretary to identify the source of the leak.