Telangana Government Prioritizes Development Plans for SC/ST Communities

Hyderabad, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has urged officials to ensure the effective use of SC/ST sub-plan funds to accelerate the economic and social development of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). He emphasized the importance of maximizing the benefits of government welfare schemes for these communities, aiming to improve their living standards.

During a review meeting at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, Bhatti Vikramarka called for coordinated efforts across all departments to ensure that every eligible family receives support from government programs. He highlighted key sectors such as agriculture, electricity, housing, health, and social infrastructure as priorities.

The meeting, which included Minister for Social Welfare Development Adluri Lakshman, focused on assessing the use of SC/ST sub-plan funds by various departments, including agriculture, energy, health, and rural development. Bhatti Vikramarka reviewed specific initiatives like the Rythu Bharosa scheme, seed distribution, and agricultural mechanization, directing officials to evaluate the benefits reaching SC/ST farmers.

He instructed that any discrepancies in the use of special development funds due to land ownership eligibility criteria should be identified. Additionally, a comparative report on benefits from general schemes versus those specifically for SC/ST farmers was requested.

Bhatti Vikramarka suggested that alternative plans be developed where existing guidelines hinder the full utilization of special development funds. He also called for proposals for special schemes to provide greater benefits to eligible SC families.

All departments were tasked with preparing a detailed, village-wise, and category-wise list of beneficiaries. The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the need to create a digital record of beneficiaries, including their names, villages, social categories, and the assistance received. A permanent monitoring system for fund utilization was also recommended.

Officials reported that approximately 1,300 acres of vacant land are available in the state, as per information from district collectors. The Deputy Chief Minister directed them to explore potential uses for this land based on local needs and expedite necessary approvals to benefit eligible families. He also reviewed proposals for land acquisition for families lacking land to build homes.

Strengthening social infrastructure for SC/ST communities is crucial, Bhatti Vikramarka noted. He instructed the assessment of needs for community buildings, crematoriums, and other essential facilities in each assembly constituency, urging the prioritization of development work.

Minister Adluri Lakshman suggested enhancing basic amenities in SC/ST settlements, particularly improving electricity supply. He proposed creating a special action plan for installing electric poles and wiring.

Additionally, the introduction of mobile medical units to expand health services in tribal and agency areas was recommended. Officials were tasked with ensuring increased availability of doctors and essential medicines in remote areas, so timely medical assistance is provided during emergencies.

Bhatti Vikramarka concluded that strengthening the economic security of SC/ST families and expanding infrastructure, electricity, housing, and health services will pave the way for the overall development of these communities.