Telangana government tells HC it can’t clear Rs 40,000 cr dues

Hyderabad: The Telangana government on Wednesday, November 11, informed the Telangana High Court that it is unable to clear dues worth Rs 40,000 crore.

These dues were supposed to be paid to the owners of lands acquired for government projects, but the government was not in a position to release the amounts immediately. Tokens are issued by the respective departments after bills are cleared for payment.

Finance Department Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania submitted to Justice NV Shravan Kumar, who was hearing a batch of contempt petitions over the delay in paying compensation for lands acquired by the state government in Narayanpet.

“Paying compensation for lands acquired is the top priority. But, even if we desire, I am not in a position to pay. That is my inability,” Sultania told the court.

Appearing virtually, Sultania sought six months from the court, assuring it that the state government would clear land acquisition matters on priority.

Granting a last chance, the High Court gave the government 12 weeks to clear payments amounting to around Rs 51.35 crore in the present matters.

“See that you keep your promise,” the judge told Sultania, while adjourning the matters for further hearing.

Earlier on Wednesday, the judge expressed strong dissatisfaction over Sultania’s absence from the court, and also over a petition seeking exemption from personal appearance without valid reasons.

The High Court observed that the Finance Department took the matter casually, adding that matters regarding payment of compensation to evictees cannot be treated casually. The judge also said that citizens are “forced” to approach the courts because of this approach of the authorities concerned.

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