Budget meeting

As part of the pre-budget meetings, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka along with Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar held a meeting with officials on the budget proposals on Transport and BC Welfare Departments at Secretariat today.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed the officials of the Transport Department to find innovative ways to generate additional revenue. He said that people have high expectations on the Congress government and the government is committed to fulfill all the promises announced in the manifesto. He said that the government will financially support the RTC in the implementation of the Mahalakshmi programme. He stated that there is still room for improvement in the performance of the transport department and to explore ways of increasing internal revenue sources.

He felt that since the revenue growth in this financial year is not as expected, the budget proposals need to be made according to the actual requirements. RTC’s efforts to reduce the corporation’s losses are commendable.

 He asked them to take measures to reduce expenditure and also explore ways of generating revenue like the Hyderabad metro rail. He expressed concern over increasing road accidents. Transport department officials have been asked to study various models to reduce road accidents.

The officials were asked to prioritize improving the performance of BC residential schools. He wanted a comprehensive study of various schemes to enhance the skills of artisans.

Transport and BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said that due to the successful implementation of the Mahalakshmi Scheme, there is a need to buy new buses and similarly there is a demand to undertake recruitments in RTC. He said that schemes like residential schools, Kalyanalakshmi, scholarships, financial assistance department for various backward class corporations are being implemented by the BC Welfare Department. He said that the government is committed to establish a study circle in every district for the backward classes.

He asked the government to grant funds to construct own buildings for Gurukulams and to increase the number of overseas scholarships to more than 300 students per year.