Centre approves terms of reference for Krishna water dispute, National Turmeric Board, Tribal University

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday has approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) to the existing Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) for its adjudication between the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

This meant that the Krishna River water-sharing issue between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana would be referred to a Tribunal. Fresh ToR would be given to the existing Brijesh Kumar Tribunal. A decision to this effect was taken by the Union Cabinet.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur, briefing the press about the major decisions taken by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday, said that the resolution of the dispute between the two States on the use, distribution, or control of Krishna River waters would open new avenues of growth in both Telangana and AP and would be beneficial for the people of both these States.

Hailing the Centre's decision to approve the terms of conditions of KWDT-II leading the formation of a tribunal to decide the legitimate share of Telangana in Krishna River Water, Minister for Finance Harish Rao said that this vindicated the stand taken by KCR.

Officer on special duty (Irrigation) to CM and irrigation expert Sridhar Rao Deshpande welcoming the decision of the Centre opined that the Centre must also fix a timeline for the final award of the share of Telangana. "Justice delayed is justice denied, as Telangana lost a lot with the inordinate delay in awarding share in Krishna River water," he said.

National Turmeric Board

The Government of India also notified the constitution of the National Turmeric Board. The Board shall have a chairperson to be appointed by the Central Government, members from the Ministry of AYUSH, Departments of Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Commerce and Industry of the Union Government, senior State Government representatives from three States (on a rotation basis), select national/state institutions involved in research, representatives of turmeric farmers and exporters, and have a secretary to be appointed by the Department of Commerce.

Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University

The Union Cabinet also approved the introduction of the Central Universities (Amendment), Bill, 2023 in Parliament, to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009 for setting up Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University at Mulugu District in the State of Telangana.

There would be provision of funds of Rs 889.07 crore. The new university would not only increase access and improve the quality of higher education in the State but also promote avenues of higher education and advance knowledge by providing instructional and research facilities in tribal art, culture and traditional knowledge system for the benefit of the tribal population in the State. This new university would also create additional capacity and will strive to remove regional imbalances.