A Faculty Seminar was organised at the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) on 27 July 2026 at 3:30 p.m. on the theme “A Situational Analysis of the Financial Status of the PRIs in Telangana State in the Context of the Second State Finance Commission.” The seminar was presented by Prof. M. Gopinath Reddy (Retd.), Research Consultant, CESS, and chaired by Dr. Laxman Rao, Associate Professor, Division for Studies in Social Inclusion, CESS.
The seminar featured Dr. Jos Chathukulam, Director, Centre for Rural Management, Kottayam, Kerala, as the Discussant. Drawing upon his extensive experience in rural governance and local finance across different states, Dr. Chathukulam offered valuable insights and highlighted several best practices that could be considered while formulating recommendations for the Telangana State Finance Commission (TSFC).
The seminar was graced by Shri Sircilla Rajaiah, Hon’ble Chairman, Telangana State Finance Commission (TSFC), along with Shri D. S. V. Sarma, Deputy CEO, TSFC, Shri Kaparthi Praneeth Kumar, Consultant, TSFC, and Ms. Pasu Srujana Yadav of TSFC. Their presence significantly enriched the deliberations.
Faculty members and research scholars of CESS actively participated in the discussions, offering constructive observations and suggestions to strengthen the study. The seminar witnessed lively interactions and an engaging exchange of ideas, leading to an insightful and meaningful discussion on the financial status of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Telangana in the context of the Second State Finance Commission.
Responding to the comments and queries raised by the Discussant and participants, Prof. M. Gopinath Reddy provided detailed clarifications on the issues discussed. He also welcomed the valuable suggestions offered by the distinguished gathering and expressed his willingness to incorporate them, wherever appropriate, in the final report. Overall, the seminar served as an important platform for academic deliberation and policy dialogue, contributing meaningfully to the ongoing work of the Second Telangana State Finance Commission.