T'gana CM Revanth Reddy grants Rs 2 lakh loan waiver to farmers, fulfilling Rahul's poll promise
Hyderabad: In a significant move aimed at providing relief to farmers in Telangana, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Friday a loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh for farmers in the state. This decision follows a cabinet meeting and is a fulfillment of a promise made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a rally in Warangal on May 6, 2022.
CM Revanth Reddy said that this loan waiver is part of the government's broader commitment to supporting the agricultural community. The waiver is expected to benefit a large number of farmers and comes at an estimated cost of Rs 31,000 crore to the state treasury. He further said that this measure highlights the Congress government's dedication to addressing farmers' needs, contrasting with the previous administration's waiver of Rs 28,000 crore over a decade.
"Many congratulations to the farmers of Telangana. Now your loan up to Rs 2 lakh has been waived. People's leader Rahul Gandhi ji had promised a loan waiver to the farmers in Warangal on May 6, 2022. Today, your Congress government has fulfilled this promise. We do what we say. We are Congress," stated an instagram post by Indian National Congress celebrating the announcement.
Further details, including the eligibility criteria for the loan waiver scheme, are expected to be disclosed soon. In addition, a cabinet sub-committee led by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has been formed to streamline and finalize the implementation of the farmers' investment support schemes under 'Rythu Bharosa.' This committee will engage with various political parties and stakeholders, with its findings expected to be presented by July 15.
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Karnataka offers extensive incentives in its proposed IT policy
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has proposed a new Information Technology Policy for 2025–2030, offering extensive financial and non-financial incentives aimed at accelerating investments, strengthening innovation and expanding the state's tech footprint beyond Bengaluru.
The Karnataka Cabinet gave its nod to the policy 2025–2030 with an outlay of Rs 445.50 crore on Thursday after the Finance Department accorded its approval.
The policy introduces 16 incentives across five enabler categories, nine of which are entirely new, with a distinctive push to support companies setting up or expanding in emerging cities.
Alongside financial support, the government is also offering labour-law relaxations, round-the-clock operational permissions and industry-ready human capital programmes to make Karnataka a globally competitive 'AI-native' destination.
According to the policy, units located outside Bengaluru will gain access to a wide suite of benefits, including research and development and IP creation incentives, internship reimbursements, talent relocation support and recruitment assistance.
The benefits also include EPF reimbursement, faculty development support, rental assistance, certification subsidies, electricity tariff rebates, property tax reimbursement, telecom infrastructure support, and assistance for events and conferences.
Bengaluru Urban will receive a focused set of six research and development and talent-oriented incentives, while Indian Global Capability Centres (GCCs) operating in the state will be brought under the incentive net.
Incentive caps and eligibility thresholds have been raised, and the policy prioritises growth-focused investments for both new and expanding units.
Beyond incentives, the government focuses on infrastructure and innovation interventions.
A flagship proposal in the policy is the creation of Techniverse -- integrated, technology-enabled enclaves developed through a public-private partnership model inside future Global Innovation Districts.
These campuses will offer plug-and-play facilities, artificial intelligence and machine learning and cybersecurity labs, advanced testbeds, experience centres, and disaster-resistant command centres.
There will also be a Statewide Digital Hub Grid and a Global Test Bed Infrastructure Network, linking public and private research and development, and innovation facilities across Karnataka.
The government has proposed a Women Global Tech Missions Fellowship for 1,000 mid-career women technologists, an IT Talent Return Programme to absorb experienced professionals returning from abroad, and broad-based skill and faculty development reimbursements.
Shared corporate transport routes in Bengaluru and tier-two cities will be designed with Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation and other transport entities to support worker mobility.
The government said the policy is the outcome of an extensive research and consultation process involving TCS, Infosys, Wipro, IBM, HCL, Tech Mahindra, Cognizant, HP, Google, Accenture and NASSCOM, along with sector experts and stakeholder groups.
It estimates an outlay of Rs 967.12 crore over five years, comprising Rs 754.62 crore for incentives and Rs 212.50 crore for interventions such as Techniverse campuses, digital grid development, global outreach missions and talent programmes.
