Telangana Dy CM calls for faster utilisation of SC/ST Sub-Plan Funds
Hyderabad, Oct 29 (TNT) : Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Thursday directed officials to expedite the utilisation of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) Sub-Plan funds and ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the full benefits of government welfare schemes.
At a review meeting with senior officials at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, he examined fund utilisation during the first two quarters of the current financial year by the Agriculture, Energy, Medical and Health, Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and Municipal Administration departments.
Bhatti called for coordinated efforts to improve the economic and social conditions of SC/ST communities, with priority to agriculture, electricity, housing, healthcare and basic infrastructure.
Reviewing agricultural schemes, including Rythu Bharosa, subsidised seed distribution and farm mechanisation, he directed officials to assess the benefits reaching SC/ST farmers who own agricultural land.
He sought statistical reports comparing assistance provided to these farmers with expenditure under general schemes and asked departments to propose special schemes wherever existing eligibility criteria restricted the utilisation of funds.
He also directed officials to verify beneficiary details at the field level and maintain digital records of assistance provided, including the names of beneficiaries, villages, social categories and scheme-wise benefits.
Departments should establish a continuous monitoring mechanism to track expenditure and outcomes, he said.
Officials informed the meeting that about 1,300 acres of vacant land were available across the State, based on information from district collectors.
The Deputy Chief Minister asked them to examine its utilisation according to local requirements and expedite approvals to make land available to eligible families.
He also called for examining proposals to acquire land for house sites for families without residential plots.
Bhatti directed officials to identify requirements for community halls, cremation grounds and other essential facilities for SC/ST communities in every constituency and prepare proposals based on local needs.
Social Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman called for improving electricity infrastructure in SC/ST habitations, including electrical wiring and installation of poles.
He also suggested introducing mobile medical units in tribal and agency areas to improve access to doctors, essential medicines and emergency healthcare.
Senior officials from the concerned departments attended the meeting.
TNT TS
