Bhatti Reviews BC Welfare Schemes, Announces Scholarship Deadline Extension

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka said the Telangana government is according top priority to the implementation of welfare schemes for Backward Classes (BCs) and taking steps to ensure that the benefits reach every eligible beneficiary.

He made the remarks during a high-level review meeting on the BC Welfare Department held at Praja Bhavan on Monday. The meeting focused on the progress of various welfare programmes, release of funds and measures being taken for the welfare of students. BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, senior department officials and other officers attended the meeting.

Reviewing the scholarship programmes, Bhatti said pre-matric and post-matric scholarships were being transferred directly into students’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Under the system, Rs. 450 crore has so far been credited to the accounts of 1.30 lakh students.

The Deputy Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that students staying in BC welfare hostels receive their diet and cosmetic charges every month without delay. He stressed the need for timely disbursement of funds so that students do not face difficulties in meeting their requirements.

The meeting also reviewed the Katamayya Raksha Kavachalu scheme introduced for the welfare and safety of toddy tappers. Bhatti said kits had been sanctioned for 50,000 beneficiaries, with 40,000 already receiving them. The remaining 10,000 beneficiaries, who are currently undergoing training, will receive the kits after completing their training. The government has allocated Rs. 60 crore for the scheme.

The government will launch the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme in November to create employment and economic opportunities for unemployed BC youth, Bhatti announced. Officials have been directed to scrutinise applications already received transparently in the presence of district Collectors and select eligible beneficiaries.

He also assured officials that pending bills of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Gurukul institutions would be cleared soon. Responding to a request from Ponnam Prabhakar for permanent buildings for the residential schools, Bhatti said the proposal would be examined.

Bhatti said Rs. 18.40 crore had been released to 180 students under the Overseas Scholarship scheme during the first and second instalments this year. To provide an opportunity to all eligible applicants, the government has extended the application deadline to October 15.

He further assured that funds would soon be released for the construction of self-respect buildings for BC caste associations across the state.