Education and healthcare are our top priorities: Dy CM Bhatti Vikramarka

Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka reiterated that the State government is giving top priority to education and healthcare, asserting that it is prepared to allocate all necessary funds to strengthen these key sectors.

Addressing the officials at a series of pre-budget meetings with the departments of Minority Welfare, BC Welfare, Transport, Irrigation, Civil Supplies, and Cinematography, Mr. Bhatti instructed officials to draft budget proposals with clear priorities and commitment.

He asked officials to expedite pending payments for welfare hostels and Gurukuls (residential schools and colleges) and to fast-track repairs of hostel buildings. Implementation of biometric attendance for both students and teaching staff was ordered, with the systems to be linked to a central monitoring unit. He also called for exploring solar power installations in hostel and residential facilities and directed district- and State-level officials to make regular inspections, even staying overnight.

During the Irrigation department meeting, Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted the urgent need for crop diversification, pointing to farmers’ difficulties due to extensive paddy cultivation and reduced procurement of boiled rice by States like Tamil Nadu. Mr. Bhatti suggested promoting oil palm and pulses cultivation and strengthening storage infrastructure to support farmers.

The Deputy CM said the upcoming budget would accord greater priority to Backward Classes, with plans to improve infrastructure in BC Gurukuls and release scholarships promptly.

BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said the government will soon roll out new schemes aimed at boosting employment and economic opportunities for BC communities. “Mahalakshmi smart cards to travel in RTC buses will soon be distributed door-to-door to women commuters,” he added.

Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar proposed constructing major facilities on SC Welfare Department lands at Lower Tank Bund and Kachiguda to support competitive exam coaching.