KCR Wants Employees To Contribute To A Telangana Green Fund

Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao today proposed a "Telangana Green Fund" in the Assembly, funded by the people.

During a short debate on Haritha Haram, a flagship project of his government, in the Assembly, the leader of the house spoke at length about how to continue the project in perpetuity.

He mooted the Telangana Green Fund involving the people of the state including the students as well.

Rao said that the MPs, MLAs and MLCs of the TRS were ready to contribute Rs 500 a month towards the initiative. He also urged the members of the house irrespective of political parties to follow suit and unanimously support the cause.

The CM also asked the government employees to come forward for the same cause, and that a 0.1% contribution from their salaries would help raise Rs 25 crore.

The Chief Secretary had already spoken to the gazetted officials, teachers and other employees, who had all responded positively to help the initiative with Rs 25 a month.

"We propose to seek contributions during the registrations of property, and renewal of licenses of bar shops, wine shops and other businesses, too. About 8,000 licence renewals take place every month in the state, and it is being proposed that Rs 1,000 be collected during the renewal every year," he added.

Admission fees to schools and colleges would also have a Green Fund contribution, KCR said - Rs 5 from primary school students, Rs 10 from high school students, Rs 25 from intermediate students, Rs 50 from degree students and Rs 100 from students enrolling for professional and PG courses would be collected during admissions, he said.

The CM said that the plan was to expand greenery to prevent pollution and global warming, and check problems related to ecological imbalances.