Telangana Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu meets FM Sitharaman; seeks additional financial assistance for state's development
New Delhi, May 21
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi and discussed several key issues relating to the State's development, large-scale investments in the education sector, capital expenditure, and expansion of infrastructure.
According to a press release, during the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister requested the Union Finance Minister to sanction an additional Rs.5,000 crore to Telangana under the "Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)."
He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government of Telangana to the Government of India for extending 50-year interest-free loans to States under the scheme. Referring to the Rs.4,208 crore already sanctioned to Telangana during the financial year 2025-26, he explained that additional financial support was essential for sustaining the State's ongoing developmental and welfare programmes, the press release stated.
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that although Telangana is one of the youngest States in the country and is progressing rapidly on the development front, the State is facing fiscal pressure due to debt servicing commitments arising from borrowings raised through various Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) between 2014 and 2023.
He particularly explained the Government's commitment towards providing world-class education to students through the "Young India Integrated Residential Schools (YIIRS)" initiative.
He informed the Union Finance Minister that the State is also focusing on establishing new medical colleges across districts, strengthening rural healthcare services, and improving educational infrastructure to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
Deputy Chief Minister also submitted another representation regarding the State Government's major investments in the education sector. He has informed that the Government of Telangana has prepared an investment plan of Rs.30,000 crore for the transformation of the education sector, including Rs.21,000 crore for the construction of 105 Young India Integrated Residential Schools campuses and another Rs 9,000 crore towards strengthening Government Junior Colleges, Degree Colleges, Technical and Vocational Institutions, and digital infrastructure.
In this context, he thanked the Government of India for the approval accorded by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) to two externally aided projects -- the Young India Integrated Residential Schools Project with an outlay of Rs.4,049.11 crore under the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the Telangana Education Infrastructure Upgradation Mission Project with an outlay of Rs.4,903.44 crore under the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The Deputy Chief Minister requested that the loans related to these two projects be exempted from the State's FRBM limits. He stated that these are not routine expenditures, but long-term capital investments aimed at human resource development and educational empowerment, particularly for SC, ST, BC, and Minority communities.
He further stated that Telangana's investments in education and infrastructure would play a significant role in achieving the national vision of "Viksit Bharat-2047" and expressed hope that adequate support from the Central Government would further accelerate the State's growth and development.
According to the release, Finance Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania and Planning Department Secretary Gaurav Uppal accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during the meeting.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Every state wants more money from the Centre - that's politics 101. But Bhatti ji raised valid points about debt from SPVs during 2014-2023. That's when KCR was in power, so basically they're asking Modi govt to help clean up the mess from the previous regime? Interesting strategy 😄
Finally some focus on education! As someone from a village near Warangal, I can tell you our government schools are in dire need of upgrades. The Young India Integrated Residential Schools concept sounds promising - especially if they're targeting SC/ST/BC communities. But need to ensure quality teachers too, not just buildings.
As an outsider looking in, it's impressive to see a state investing Rs 21,000 crore in residential schools and another Rs 9,000 crore in college infrastructure. The ADB and AIIB loans show international confidence too. Hope the central govt supports this - education is the best investment any nation can make.
I support the education push but question why they need Rs 5,000 crore extra under SASCI. Telangana is one of the highest per capita income states in India - shouldn't they be more self-reliant? Also, exempting loans from FRBM limits sets a risky precedent. Fiscal discipline matters, even for good causes.
Viksit Bharat 2047 ke liye Telangana ka contribution important hai. But I wish they'd also focus on healthcare - just mentioned 'rural healthcare' briefly. What about primary health centres? And irrigation projects? Still,
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