CM asks to spend more funds on SCs, STs

Hyderabad, Jan 23 (INN): Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has instructed the officials concerned to spend more funds over and above the funds allocated based on their population figures of SCs and STs.

'Since the State government has declared a war on poverty, it has given top priority to the welfare schemes. The officers concerned should concentrate more the SCs and STs who are economically backward. It is not enough to spend more funds other than allocated to these sections but implementation should be so transparent that the SC and ST sections should have confidence that the government is standing by them. Unless they are informed about the funds allocated and how they were spent, these sections will get a feeling that the government is neglecting them,' the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister held a review meeting on SC/STs Sub Plan, Welfare and Development at Pragathi Bhavan here on Monday. Deputy CM Kadiam Srihari, SC Development Minister Jagadeeshwar Reddy, MP Balka Suman, Chief Secretary SP Singh, senior officials including S Narsing Rao, Somesh Kumar, Ramakrishna Rao, Sandeep Sultania, Karunakar, Praveen Kumar, Bhoopal Reddy and others participated.

'The SC and ST Sub Plan was introduced to allocate and spend funds based on the population figures of these communities. Our government has commitment and dedication to implement the Sub Plan in a more effective way. Officials should review the implementation of the Sub Plan on a monthly basis. Ministers should conduct the meetings every three months. I will review it once in six months. The Telangana Government is spending more funds than those allocated under the Sub Plan and this trend will continue,' KCR claimed.

The Chief Minister said that the SCs and STs were in the lower strata of the society and they should be given all help. 'Our government has started Residential Schools for the SCs and STs in big way without bothering about the amount of money is being spent. By imparting quality and high standard education that the future of the SCs and STs younger generation will change for the better. Overseas Scholarships are given, subsidy component of the government has increased substantially in the economic support schemes for these sections. Distribution of land to Dalits and implementation of the Kalyana Laxmi schemes is also taken up. Several others schemes are also being lunched. In all, SCs and STs are getting more share than under the Sub Plan, and this should continue,' the CM said.

On the hostels, the Chief Minister said,' The situation in the hostels should change. We need better facilities, toilets and rooms. There should be an increase in the mess bills and cosmetic charges paid to the students. Overseas scholarships should be given to everyone, there is no need to have any limit,' he said.

'SCs and STs have land assigned in the past. Some of them have their own land and the government is distributing 3 acres of land to each family. All these lands should be brought into cultivation and they need support. If the land is brought under cultivation, it becomes a major source of income,' the Chief Minister observed.

'The Centre has brought in several changes in planning of the Budget, they have given a go to Plan and Non Plan Heads. All the expenditure, except the Employees salaries, pension, administrative expenses and interest on loans, should be brought under one Head. These guidelines are to be followed by the state government. Against this backdrop, measures should be taken while preparing the SC/ST Sub Plan, the Chief Minister said.