Rs 3,000 cr for SC, ST job schemes in budget: Bhatti

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu reaffirmed the TG government’s commitment to social welfare, emphasising that funds would not be a constraint for implementing welfare schemes. He directed officials to ensure the effective execution of important programmes, particularly self-employment schemes for SC and ST youth, within the next two months.
Chairing a pre-budget review meeting with officials from SC, ST, BC, and Minority Welfare departments at the secretariat on Friday, Bhatti criticised the BRS government for neglecting self-employment programmes for a decade. He asked officials to implement these schemes with the budget allocation of Rs 3,000 crore and to prepare detailed plans for their execution.
Highlighting problems in welfare hostels and residential schools, Bhatti stressed the need for timely payment of rent and diet charges. He sought details of pending bills and directed officials to coordinate with the Finance Department for their immediate clearance. He also insisted on regular visits by ministers, MLAs, and senior officials to welfare hostels and residential schools, and asked departments to create schedules in advance and ensure the visits are effectively followed up.
Discussing the Sub-Plan Act, Bhatti directed officials to track funds due to SC and ST departments from other government departments and ensure their proper allocation. He also called for the timely submission of utilisation certificates for Central schemes to facilitate faster fund disbursal from the Centre.