Hyderabad: The cabinet, led by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, on Monday decided to hand over the report of the Justice (retd) Madan B. Lokur Commission of Inquiry to the CBI. The commission had probed alleged irregularities in the power purchase agreement (PPA) and the construction of the Bhadradri and Yadadri thermal power plants during the previous BRS govt’s tenure.It also approved the implementation of enhanced land values from the last week of May under the HILT policy. The cabinet clarified that existing land values would apply to industrial landowners who submit applications before the revised rates come into effect. Additionally, a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme was approved, enabling govt departments to clear pending dues related to property tax and drinking water bills owed to GHMC, Malkajgiri and Cyberabad Municipal Corporations, as well as the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.Briefing the media along with ministers Ponnam Prabhakar, Adluri Laxman Kumar and Vakiti Srihari, revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said the Lokur Commission had submitted its 114-page report to the govt in Oct 2024.He explained that on Jan 4, 2025, the cabinet had decided to seek the advocate general’s opinion on the next course of action. After examining the report, the AG conveyed his suggestions, which were deliberated upon in the Monday’s cabinet meeting. Given that the case involves interstate aspects and central public sector undertakings, the cabinet concluded that entrusting the investigation to the CBI would ensure impartiality. Officials have been instructed to expedite the necessary procedures, Srinivas Reddy said.The Congress govt had not made the findings of the report public since its submission. During the briefing, the minister also refrained from disclosing specific details of the commission’s conclusions. The Lokur Commission had examined the 1,000 MW PPA signed with the Chhattisgarh govt in 2016, along with the construction of the Bhadradri (4×270 MW) and Yadadri (5×800 MW) thermal power plants.The minister further noted that the cabinet had decided to actively pursue the long-pending Kaleshwaram project investigation with the central govt and the CBI. He said the revised land values, including rationalisation measures, would come into effect in the last week of May. This marks the first revision in four years, with the previous revision having taken place in Feb 2022 under the BRS govt.Srinivas Reddy added that compensation for land acquired for govt projects—such as irrigation and road development—would also increase, ensuring better returns for farmers and landowners.The cabinet also extended flexibility under the HILT policy. Applicants who apply before the revised land prices take effect will be allowed to pay an initial 10 per cent while retaining the current land value. The remaining 90 per cent must be paid within 90 days.
