Telangana Government Prioritizes Health, Education, and Welfare in Upcoming Budget
In a significant announcement, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka stated on Wednesday that the Telangana state government will place health, education, and welfare at the core of the upcoming budget. He stressed that allocations must directly improve services for vulnerable sections, ensuring that public funds translate into tangible benefits for those in need.
Pre-Budget Meetings Focus on Realistic Planning and Prioritization
During a series of pre-budget meetings with various departments, Bhatti Vikramarka called for realistic planning and strict prioritization of proposals, particularly in the welfare sector. He directed officials to expedite the clearance of pending bills for welfare hostels and repair works without any delay. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of ensuring timely scholarship payments and upgrading infrastructure for students from Backward Classes to enhance their educational opportunities.
Education Reforms and Infrastructure Upgrades
Highlighting key education reforms, Bhatti Vikramarka revealed that the government is establishing Young India Integrated Schools to promote inclusive learning environments. To improve efficiency and accountability, he pushed for the implementation of biometric attendance systems linked to a central control room. Furthermore, in a move towards sustainability and cost reduction, he advocated for the installation of solar power systems in hostels, which is expected to lower operational costs and generate additional revenue.
Welfare and Employment Initiatives
Officials reviewed new employment initiatives aimed at benefiting Backward Class communities, alongside assessing the performance of the Mahalakshmi free bus travel scheme for women. Plans are also underway to set up Ambedkar knowledge centers in rural areas. These centers will support students preparing for competitive examinations through online coaching, thereby bridging educational gaps and fostering academic success.
Major Infrastructure Projects Underway
On the infrastructure front, Bhatti Vikramarka announced that road projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore are currently under execution. These include significant works under the hybrid annuity model, the Regional Ring Road, the Hyderabad-Vijayawada corridor, connectivity to Machilipatnam port, and the Raviryala-Srisailam stretch. These projects aim to enhance transportation networks and boost economic growth across the state.
Agricultural Focus and Crop Diversification
Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasized the need for crop diversification to address ongoing farm challenges. This strategy is part of broader efforts to improve agricultural sustainability and support farmers in adapting to changing market and environmental conditions.
