Ponnam Prabhakar Calls for Permanent Buildings as BC Gurukuls Face Infrastructure Gap

Telangana Minister for Backward Classes Welfare Ponnam Prabhakar has directed officials to ensure transparent implementation of welfare schemes, timely delivery of benefits to eligible beneficiaries and improved infrastructure in residential schools. He emphasised the need to expand self-employment opportunities for BC communities and strengthen support for students through better educational facilities.

During a review meeting on the BC Welfare Department at the Secretariat, the minister examined the progress of welfare programmes, construction of BC self-respect buildings, skill development initiatives and infrastructure requirements of Gurukul schools.

Prabhakar instructed officials to ensure that eligible students receive financial assistance under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Overseas Vidya Nidhi scheme without delays. He also directed them to expedite the government order process for 38 BC Atma Gaurava Bhavans, following the directions of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka.

Reviewing the Indiramma Intintiki Sewing Machines scheme, the minister said around 4.80 lakh applications had been received from women seeking assistance to establish or strengthen their livelihoods. The government has planned to benefit 1.90 lakh women, with 1,000 beneficiaries proposed from each Assembly constituency. He instructed officials to complete tendering and related arrangements to begin the distribution of sewing machines on December 9.

The minister expressed concern over the shortage of permanent buildings for residential schools. Of the state's 327 Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Gurukul schools, only 26 have their own buildings. He directed officials to accelerate land identification, obtain necessary approvals and arrange funding for the remaining institutions. District collectors were asked to visit one Gurukul school every month and submit reports on infrastructure gaps and unresolved issues.

Prabhakar also called for reforms in BC Study Circles, based on the committee's recommendations, and stressed quality coaching to improve employment opportunities for unemployed candidates. He proposed skill training centres to promote self-employment and support the establishment of small and medium enterprises.

Other issues reviewed included vocational training for BC widows and single women, modern dhobi ghats for washermen, distribution of Katamayya protective kits, and the development of Neera cafes and Nandanavanams.

BC Welfare Department Principal Secretary Rahul Bojja, Commissioner Bala Maya Devi, Gurukul Schools Secretary Saidulu and other officials attended the meeting.