Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has announced that while continuing the importance of Irrigation Sector, in future emphasis and top priority would be given to the Medical Health and Education Sector in the State. The CM has instructed officials concerned to hold Medical Camps for screening problems concerned Ear, Nose, Throat and Dental as was done for Eye screening through KantiVelugu programme. The CM asked the officials of the Finance Department to examine whether to go to present a Vote on Account Budget or a full-fledged Budget for the next financial year against the background of Lok Sabha Elections and the possibilities of Union Government presenting a Vote on Account Budget. CM said that for the ensuing elections to the Panchayat Raj arrangement have been made in toto.
The CM presided over a high-level review meeting on Saturday at Pragathi Bhavan on the subjects of Irrigation Projects, conduct of Medical Camps, Conduct of Panchayat Elections, Budget formation etc. Chief Advisor to the Government Rajiv Sharma, Advisor Anurag Sharma, Chief Secretary SK Joshi, senior officers S NarsingRao, Rama Krishna Rao, Rajeshwar Tiwari, Vikas Raj, Shanti Kumari, Smitasabarwal, Neetu Prasad, Govt Whip PallaRajeshwar Reddy, MDC Chairman Seri Subhash Reddy and others participated in the meeting.
The CM expressed his satisfaction over the successful conduct of “KantiVelugu” programme across the state and said that it has been immensely useful to the people. The CM said that similar to KantiVelugu camps, screening tests to the people across the state for Ear, Nose, Dental, Throat problems should also be conducted. CM suggested that to begin these camps some time in February next year an action plan has to be evolved. CM has also instructed to record the health profile of each and every individual after conducting all types of diagnostic tests. Based on this profile of every individual the health status of Telangana should be prepared said the CM.
The CM has instructed the concerned officers to expedite completion of the Lift Irrigation projects of Kaleswaram, Palamuru-Rangareddy, Sitarama, Dindi, Sri Ram Sagar revival scheme etc. The CM told them to draft a report as to what extent and at what stage each and every project of these are? How much is still left out? What is the amount required in future? What are the drawbacks? etc. The CM has made it clear that even in the next year Budget also adequate budgetary provision will be made for irrigation projects in addition to mobilizing funds from various sources. The CM told the officers to commence budget exercise for 2019-20 financial year. In view of elections to Lok Sabha the Union Government would present Vote on Account for the next financial year. In view of this a total picture of the Union Budget will not emerge.
There will not be any clear indication as to what extent funds flow will be there for State and hence you should take a call whether to introduce full-fledged budget for the next financial year or present an interim budget and go for full-fledged budget at a later stage taking into consideration the policy framework of the next new government at the centre. CM suggested the officers that this has to be studied in depth.The CM has also said that in addition to Aasara Pensions every promise made in the elections need to be implemented and hence necessary allocation of funds should be made in the budget. To fulfil election promise of establishing a special directorate for Pensioners. CM suggested holding discussions with the retired employees to elicit their views.
