HYDERABAD

The Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) welfare departments have received the maximum funds in the Telangana Budget for 2025-26, with ₹57,401 crore. While the SC welfare got ₹17,169 crore, the ST welfare received ₹17,169 crore.

Presenting the Budget in the Assembly on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka charged the previous BRS government with completely neglecting the implementation of the SC/ST sub-plan act.

“In the 2023-24 financial year, funds that should have been spent under this law were left unutilised — ₹13,617 crore meant for SCs and ₹1,317 crore for STs were pending,” he said asserting their government’s commitment to the strict implementation of this law.

“In the 2025-26 financial year, we are not only allocating the required budget but also releasing the funds pending from 2023-24,” he added.

Stating that his government is committed to preserving the diverse lifestyles and rights of Adivasis and tribal communities, Mr. Vikramarka said that they are allocating funds for the advancement of key sectors such as healthcare, education, and livelihoods in tribal areas through the Scheduled Tribes Special Development Fund (STSDF).

“For the first time, the government has launched a special scheme called Indira Giri Jalavikasam to support tribal farmers cultivating podu lands. Under this initiative, solar-powered pump sets will be provided to ensure irrigation facilities. Over the next four years, ₹12,600 crore will be allocated to benefit 2.1 lakh tribal farmers,” he said.

The government will promote the cultivation of forest-based horticultural crops on podu land to enhance their livelihood opportunities.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to social justice and equitable development, he said, “The Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-categorisation law is set to be a historic milestone in Telangana. For those who have long awaited equal rights and opportunities, this reform represents a beacon of hope for transformative change in their lives.”

He added that Telangana has become the first State in the country to implement this classification. “This new law marks the first step towards the empowerment of SC sub-castes. It is set to serve as a model for other states across the country, advancing social equality,” he said.