Bhatti pushes for faster spending of SC, ST funds

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has directed officials to accelerate the utilisation of funds allocated under the SC and ST Special Development Sub-Plan in the Budget, stressing that there should be no delay in spending earmarked funds for the welfare and development of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

During a review meeting with senior Finance Department officials at the Secretariat on Monday, Bhatti reviewed department-wise budget allocations, expenditure incurred so far under the SC and ST Sub-Plan, and various aspects of the State’s financial management. He instructed officials to focus on departments lagging behind in fund utilisation and take immediate corrective measures to ensure that allocations are spent in accordance with budgetary provisions and their intended objectives.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that funds earmarked for the social advancement and economic empowerment of SC and ST communities must be utilised efficiently. He directed departments to implement their expenditure plans effectively and ensure that Sub-Plan allocations, made in proportion to the population of these communities, are used for their intended purposes.

Bhatty also called for full utilisation of funds provided under the special SC and ST budget heads in accordance with statutory provisions and budgetary allocations, on par with expenditure under general budget heads. Officials were asked to identify gaps in expenditure and address them without delay. He further directed the Finance Department to prepare a comprehensive action plan covering financial reforms, resource mobilisation and debt restructuring to strengthen the State’s financial position

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The Hans India