Is Telangana Committed to Welfare Schemes Amid Financial Distress?

Synopsis
In a compelling address, Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka reaffirmed the government's unwavering commitment to welfare schemes, despite facing financial challenges. The upcoming medical college in Khammam is just one example of this dedication, signaling a brighter future for the state’s healthcare and welfare initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Commitment to welfare schemes amidst financial distress
- New medical college in Khammam at Rs 166 crore
- Monthly salary payments on the first of every month
- Investment in healthcare exceeding Rs 11,482 crore in one year
- Focus on Non-Communicable Diseases and emergency response improvements
Hyderabad, May 8 (NationPress) Telangana's Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka asserted on Thursday that the state government remains dedicated to advancing welfare initiatives, even amidst financial difficulties.
During a ceremony to initiate the construction of a medical college in Khammam, Vikramarka, who also holds the position of Finance Minister, emphasized the Congress government's commitment to welfare programs despite a substantial debt burden.
He highlighted that the government allocates Rs 6,500 crore monthly to manage debts amounting to Rs 7 lakh crore accrued by the former Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) administration.
The Deputy Chief Minister reassured that employees receive their salaries on the first day of each month, contrasting with the previous delays under BRS where payments were made around the 15th or 20th. “For the past 15 months, we have ensured timely salary disbursements,” he remarked.
Vikramarka assured employees that their requests would be met in the future, defending Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy against allegations of miscommunication regarding employee demands.
He reiterated the Congress party's commitment to introduce an additional welfare program worth between Rs 60,000 crore and Rs 70,000 crore.
Criticizing the previous administration, he stated that the BRS significantly underfunded the health sector, spending only Rs 5,950 crore over a decade, while the Congress government invested Rs 11,482 crore in just one year. Efforts are currently underway to settle outstanding health bills.
The new medical college will be established on 35 acres at an investment of Rs 166 crore.
Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha asserted that the government is committed to enhancing the healthcare infrastructure by approving more primary health centers.
Focus areas include Warangal, Karimnagar, and Khammam districts, reducing the need for residents to travel to Hyderabad for specialized medical services.
A regional cancer hospital is in development in Warangal, with a budget of Rs 30-35 crore. Additionally, an organ retrieval center has been sanctioned for Khammam.
The Health Minister shared that the government is prioritizing Non-Communicable Diseases and has approved mobile cancer screening units for every district.
To improve emergency response times, 213 new ambulances were launched recently, aiming to reduce response time from 18 to 14 minutes, with a goal of acquiring 100 more ambulances to further enhance service.
A nursing college has also been approved for Khammam district.
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao and Revenue Minister P. Srinivas Reddy were present at the event.