Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has directed officials to accelerate the utilisation of Sub-Plan funds allocated in the state budget for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
He stressed the need to expedite expenditure in accordance with budgetary allocations and pay special attention to departments lagging behind in fund utilisation.
He also instructed officials to formulate a comprehensive action plan covering financial reforms, resource mobilisation and debt restructuring to further strengthen the state’s financial position.
During a review meeting with senior Finance Department officials at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat on Monday, Bhatti Vikramarka reviewed the implementation of the SC and ST Progress Sub-Plan, department-wise budget allocations, expenditure incurred so far and various aspects of the state’s financial management.
He emphasised that the departments concerned must act responsibly to ensure that allocated funds are spent in accordance with the intended objectives. The Deputy Chief Minister made it clear that there should be no delay in utilising funds earmarked for the welfare, social advancement and economic empowerment of SC and ST communities.
He directed the departments to effectively implement their expenditure plans to ensure that Sub-Plan funds allocated on a population basis are utilised efficiently for the welfare and development of these communities.
He further instructed officials to ensure full utilisation of funds earmarked under the special SC and ST budget heads, in accordance with statutory provisions and budgetary allocations, just as funds under general budget heads are utilised.
He called for identifying gaps in expenditure and taking immediate corrective measures to address them. Bhatti Vikramarka asked Finance Department officials to conduct special reviews with departments that were lagging in fund utilisation and accelerate expenditure.
He directed officials to convene meetings shortly with the secretaries of departments that have significant gaps in expenditure, beginning with the departments requiring priority attention.
The review will cover departments including Agriculture, Medical and Health, Energy, Municipal Administration, Panchayat Raj, Social Welfare, Industries and Tribal Welfare, followed by other departments. He instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive report covering the funds allocated to each department, expenditure incurred so far and measures required to ensure the effective utilisation of the remaining funds.
To strengthen the state’s financial position, the Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to make effective use of available resources and identify additional sources of revenue.
He stressed that budget formulation must take actual financial conditions into account, giving priority to expenditure control, efficient utilisation of funds and the availability of financial resources required for development programmes.
He held detailed discussions with officials on the financial reforms being implemented by the Finance Department, measures to mobilise government revenue and strategies for debt restructuring.
Bhatti Vikramarka emphasised the need to formulate robust plans aligned with the long-term interests of the state’s financial management. He called for financial decisions that take future requirements into account and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
The Deputy Chief Minister suggested utilising the services of experienced consultants and financial experts to adopt best practices in financial management.
He directed officials to consider expert advice and recommendations while formulating plans suited to future requirements. He also stressed the need for continuous monitoring to ensure coordination between budgetary allocations, expenditure and the implementation of development programmes.
He underscored that efficient financial management was essential not only to ensure that welfare funds reach eligible beneficiaries but also to maintain the stability of the state’s economy and achieve its development goals.
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