Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced on Monday that the state government will not accept the Rs 100 crore donation pledged by Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani for the establishment of the Young India Skill University, citing "present circumstances and arising controversies".

Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister said the decision was made to avoid "unnecessary discussions" or perceptions that the donation favored the state government or its leadership.

"The Telangana government has not accepted a single rupee from any organization, including the Adani Group. Neither I nor my Cabinet colleagues wish to be involved in controversies that could harm the reputation of the state government or myself," Reddy said.

Official Communication to Adani Group

In a letter written to Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, Special Chief Secretary and Government Commissioner for Industrial Promotion in Telangana, Jayesh Ranjan informed about the state turning down the the pledged Rs 100 crore donation to the Young India Skills University.

In the letter, dated November 2024, Ranjan expressed gratitude for the commitment made by the Adani Foundation in a previous letter dated October 18, 2024. However, he clarified that the Chief Minister has instructed the government not to seek the transfer of funds at this time due to "present circumstances and arising controversies."

"We are thankful to you for committing ₹100 crore to the Young India Skills University on behalf of your Foundation. We had not requested any donor for a physical transfer of funds earlier, as the University was awaiting IT exemption under Section 80G. While this exemption order has recently been granted, the Chief Minister has instructed not to seek a transfer of funds in view of the current situation," the letter stated.

The decision to defer the transfer appears to reflect a cautious approach amid ongoing controversies, potentially involving funding and regulatory matters. The Adani Foundation had committed the donation as part of its initiative to support skill development and education, aligning with the goals of the new university.

'Want to prevent any potential negative implications'

The Chief Minister noted that the state government recently succeeded in obtaining Income Tax exemptions under Section 80G for donations to the university. He added that the pledged amount was part of the Adani Group's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Despite this, the state government decided to decline the donation to prevent any potential negative implications or misinterpretations.

The Young India Skill University is a key initiative aimed at advancing skill development in the state, and the government has emphasized its commitment to maintaining transparency and neutrality in its operations.