The Telangana government ends the two-child restriction for local body candidates, sets up committees for Metro expansion, and discusses BC quota, agriculture colleges, and road projects.

In a significant policy shift, the Telangana government has decided to repeal the two-child restriction that previously barred candidates with more than two children from contesting local body elections. The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana Secretariat on Thursday, October 16.

Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy, addressing the media after the meeting, said the move reflects the government’s intention to make the electoral process more inclusive. He added that the Cabinet also reviewed the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the state’s plea to vacate the High Court’s stay on 42% BC reservations in local polls. A detailed discussion on the issue is slated for the next Cabinet meeting on October 23.

The meeting also covered several key development proposals. A high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary will examine the financial and technical feasibility of the Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-2, estimated to cost around ₹35,000–₹36,000 crore. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the establishment of three new agricultural colleges in Huzurnagar, Kodangal, and Nizamabad.

To boost infrastructure, the state approved road projects spanning 5,566 km at an estimated cost of ₹10,547 crore under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) and sanctioned the Mannanur–Srisailam elevated corridor worth ₹7,500 crore. Land allocations were also cleared for the Krishna–Vikarabad railway line and NALSAR University expansion, with the latter’s local quota raised from 25% to 50%.

Analysis: By scrapping the two-child policy, the Telangana government has aligned itself with more inclusive democratic norms, opening the door for broader participation in local governance. The focus on rural connectivity, education, and urban transport signals a balance between social reform and infrastructure growth. For citizens, these decisions could translate into smoother mobility, expanded educational access, and fairer representation in local institutions.