Telangana rejects Rs 100 crore CSR funds from Adani Foundation

In a major development, at a time when the Adani group Chairman Gautam Adani and his associates are facing charge in a bribery case in the US, adding to their woes is the state government of Telangana which has rejected CSR funds worth Rs 100 crore towards the establishment of Young India Skills University from Adani Foundation, the CSR arm of the group. This comes at a time when Gautam Adani is facing allegations in the United States of bribing Indian government officials for securing “lucrative solar energy supply contracts”.

Acting as a responsible citizen of the state, whose image he does not want to get tarnished, Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy has stated that he along with his cabinet colleagues do not want to be associated with unnecessary discussions and situations that may dent the image of the state govt that of his own. “On behalf of the state govt, our IT and Industries Department Special Chief Secretary Jayesh Ranjan has written to the Adani Group informing them of our decision not to accept their donation,” the CM shared.

Govt of Telangana’s letter to Adani Foundation

The letter written by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary and Commissioner for the Industrial Promotion, Industries and Commerce Department, to Adani Foundation Chairperson Dr Priti Adani reads, “We are thankful to you for committing Rs 100 cr to Young India Skills University on behalf of your Foundation vide your letter dated 18.10.2024. We have so far not asked any of the donors for physical transfer of funds since the University had not received the IT exemption under section 80G. Though this exemption order has now come recently, I have been instructed by Hon’ble Chief Minister not to seek transfer of funds in view of the present circumstances and arising controversies.”

Adani Foundation’s 100 cr commitment to Telangana

On 18th October this year, Telangana CMO announced via social media platform X, “A delegation from Adani Foundation, led by Chairperson of Adani Group, Mr @gautam_adani, met with Hon’ble Chief Minister @revanth_anumula garu to handover a donation cheque of Rs 100 crore towards the establishment of Young India Skills University. Mr Adani also promised continued support for the initiatives of Telangana state government for skills development, and empowerment of youth.”

Responding to the tweet, Mr Gautam Adani had posted, “Privileged to contribute to the transformative vision and inspiring leadership of @TelanganaCMO Revanth Reddy with the Young India Skills University initiative. Together, we are not just shaping the future of our youth – we are unlocking the boundless potential for a brighter, more prosperous India. Here’s to creating a lasting legacy that will uplift generations to come! @revanth_anumula @AdaniFoundation”

Allegations against Adani Group by the United States

Gautam Adani, his nephew Sagar Adani and six others have been accused by US prosecutors in New York in an alleged Rs 2,029 crore bribery case. According to the indictment, the bribes were allegedly offered to Indian government officials for securing “lucrative solar energy supply contracts” with state electricity distribution companies.

Calling the allegations as baseless, the Adani Group has stated, “The allegations made by the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission against directors of Adani Green are baseless and denied. As stated by the US Department of Justice itself, ‘the charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.’ All possible legal recourse will be sought.”