Telangana Govt. to Allocate 10% Budget for Tribal Welfare

Nalgonda: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka announced on Saturday that the Telangana state government will allocate no less than 10 per cent of its total budget to the welfare of tribal communities. The declaration was made during the concluding session of the week-long Tribal Empowerment Training Programme held at Hill Colony in Nagarjunasagar.

Addressing the attendees, Bhatti emphasised the deep connection of Adivasis with their land and forests, referring to them as their “mother” and “God” respectively. He highlighted the Congress’ role in empowering tribal communities to defend their rights, recalling his interactions with tribals during his 2014 campaign from Adilabad to Khammam. “The Congress government is committed to protecting tribal rights over water, forest, and land resources,” he said, aligning with party leader Rahul Gandhi’s promises.

Bhatti assured the effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) sub-plan, instructing principal secretaries of all departments to submit detailed reports on fund allocation under the SC/ST Sub-Plan. He criticised the previous BRS government for diluting the Integrated Tribal Development Agencies (ITDAs) over its 10-year tenure and pledged measures to strengthen these agencies moving forward.

Highlighting legislative achievements, Bhatti mentioned the PESA Act, Forest Rights Act, MNREGA, and the SC/ST Sub Plan as testament to the Congress government’s dedication to social justice and inclusive growth. He called on all political leaders to collaborate for the betterment of society, warning against conspiracies aimed at weakening the Constitution and infringing on citizens' rights.

Irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy echoed these sentiments by criticising the BRS government for transforming tribal thandas into grama panchayats without developing necessary infrastructure. “During my tenure as MP of Nalgonda before 2014, I saw sarpanchs of thandas working under trees due to lack of office buildings,” he remarked.

Similarly, roads and buildings minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, accused the BJP government at the Centre of undermining the interests of Adivasis in North India to benefit corporate entities. He sought the return of the Congress to regain power at the Centre in the 2029 elections to ensure the protection of SCs, STs, BCs, and minority rights.

The training programme concluded with the participation of 105 Adivasi and tribal elected representatives from across the country. These representatives were divided into eight teams to visit tribal areas in the Nagarjunasagar Assembly constituency, aiming to assess and improve the living conditions of Scheduled Tribes.

Bhatti concluded the event by reaffirming the Congress government’s commitment to social justice, promising respect and opportunities for tribal communities within the party and the broader society.