Telangana releases draft CURE Bill for public consultation
Robots on display during Telangana Rising Global Summit 2047 at Bharat Future City in Kandukur Mandal, Rangareddy District. | Photo credit: File Photo
The Telangana government on Sunday, July 5 released the Telangana Core Urban Region (Integrated Governance) Bill, 2026 or CURE Bill for public consultation, which proposes a new governance framework for the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region by replacing the decades-old Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Act of 1955.
The proposed legislation seeks to modernize city administration in line with the city’s rapid expansion from a population of approximately 15,000 to a metropolitan region of approximately 1.3 million.
The bill proposes to create a unified governance framework for the Core Urban Region (CURE), which will include Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC).
While retaining most of the key provisions of the existing GHMC Act, including those relating to Municipal Corporations, Standing Committees, Commissioners, Ward Committees, Elections, Property Tax Administration, Borrowing Powers and Animal Husbandry, the Bill proposes inclusion of a transgender member in municipal offices and removes some outdated provisions on disqualification from elections.
Among the main proposed reforms is a shift in the property tax assessment system from the current annual rental value method to a capital value based method. The bill also proposes the abolition of excise duty and dog tax, the introduction of self-taxation in property tax, the Integrated Property Identity Code and discounts for timely and sustainable tax payments.
To facilitate business and infrastructure development, the draft legislation proposes GIS-based street development plans, universal design standards, utility zoning, deemed consents for certain building permits, decriminalized graduated civil penalties, and a simplified single business license for businesses. It also introduces a framework to support the night-time economy.
In the area of public health and sanitation, the Bill proposes to grant public health powers, streamline nuisance redressal mechanisms, harmonize sanitation provisions with the Hand Scavengers Act and vest the regulation of water supply and sewerage with the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
The draft law also envisages the creation of several new institutions for the integrated administration of public affairs. These include the CURE Apex Governance Council, chaired by the Chief Minister, an Executive Committee, HYDRAA for the protection of lakes, drains and public lands, and specialist bodies for disaster management, transport management, climate action, heritage conservation, food security, gender inclusion and employee welfare.
On the digital governance front, the bill proposes the establishment of a CURE SMART Governance Center for real-time emergency monitoring and coordination, an integrated digital portal, a single consolidated account for utilities and a CURE Appellate Authority for faster resolution of complaints.
The government has invited comments and suggestions from citizens, experts and other stakeholders as part of a public consultation process before the legislation is finalised.
Published – 05 Jul 2026 21:03 IST