Budget is far from reality, says BJP

Hyderabad: Telangana BJP President and MLA Dr. K. Laxman said that the annual budgets presented by TRS Government during the last four years were unrealistic and not even 50% of the amount allocated for welfare schemes has been spent. He said even the budget of Rs. 1.74 lakh crore for 2018-19 was far from reality.

Participating in the debate on budget in Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Laxman said that there was no mention of fee reimbursement for students and no allocations have been made for schemes like Aarogyasri or double bed room houses. He said that the Central Government has given sanction for 2.25 lakh houses and giving Rs. 1.50 lakh for each unit. However, the State Government has merged this amount in the name of double bed room scheme and so far only about 3,000 houses out of the sanctioned of 1.75 lakh houses have been constructed. "Where have the rest of the Central funds gone?" he asked.

The BJP leader also pointed out that only 3% of the budget has been allocated for BCs although they constitute 54% of the total population. He said so far no MBCs have been identified. He said Rs. 1,000 crore were also allocated for MBCs in the last budget, but not a single rupee has been spent. Similar is the case with SC and ST Sub Plan. He said Rs. 65,900 crores have been allocated in the last four budgets, but the expenditure was hardly 45%. This year nearly Rs. 23,000 crores has been earmarked for both SCs and STs. He asked the government to explain how it plans to spend this amount. He also demanded a Sub Plan for BCs.

Laxman said a raw deal has been given to Hyderabad, which generates about 70% of State's total revenues. He said at least 30% of the revenues should be spent on the development of the city. He also expressed concern over the rising debts of Telangana State which will cross Rs. 2 lakh crore in the year 2018-19.