Telangana seeks Rs 5,000 crore from Centre under SASCI
Hyderabad, May 20
Telangana has sought additional special financial assistance of Rs 5,000 crore from the Centre under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu made the request to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a meeting with her in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Mallu Bhatti Vikarmarka, who holds the finance portfolio, discussed with Nirmala Sitharaman several key issues concerning the state's development, educational infrastructure, and capital expenditure.
According to an official release here, the Deputy Chief Minister requested sanction of an additional special financial assistance of Rs 5,000 crore to Telangana under SACSI.
He apprised the Union Finance Minister of the massive investments and welfare programmes being undertaken by the state government in the sectors of education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and human resource development.
Regarding the substantial investments being made in the education sector, including the Young India Integrated Residential Schools (YIIRS), he appealed for an exemption from FRBM limits for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) approved by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).
During a meeting with Nirmala Sitharaman in September last year, Vikarmarka had sought special financial support and FRBM exemption for the Rs 30,000 crore Young India Integrated Residential Schools programme in the state.
A delegation led by Vikramarka had submitted a representation in this regard.
The Deputy CM had explained that this Rs 30,000 crore initiative will transform education and nutrition for lakhs of children, empower marginalised communities, and strengthen India's demographic dividend.
The delegation, including Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao, had urged the Union Finance Minister to give Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) exemption for this long-term human capital investment.
Sitharaman was told that the programme was launched to address the challenges of quality education and nutritious food for students.
She was informed that the majority of the Telangana population belongs to socially and educationally backward sections. As per SEEPEC data, 56.33 per cent belong to Backward Classes, 17.43 per cent to Scheduled Castes and 10.45 per cent to Scheduled Tribes.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from Telangana, I appreciate the state government pushing for more funds, but I'm a bit skeptical. We've seen many promises in the past. The Young India Schools idea is noble, but implementation is key. Also, ₹5,000 crore is a huge ask - hope there's a clear plan on how it will be utilized rather than just more bureaucracy.
Good to see Telangana focusing on education and backward sections. BC, SC, ST populations together make up over 84% - that's massive. These schools could really uplift communities if done right. But Centre-state relations always have this tension. Let's hope it's not just politics and actual development happens. 😊
I think it's smart asking for FRBM exemption for EAPs. Education and nutrition for lakhs of children is a long-term investment, not wasteful spending. The demographic dividend argument is strong - if we don't invest now, we'll pay later in social costs. Hope the Centre sees this as a partnership opportunity rather than just another state demand.
While I support education funding, I'm concerned about fiscal discipline. All states want exemptions, but if everyone gets FRBM waivers, what's the point of the target? Telangana should also show its own revenue generation efforts. Still, the YIIRS concept is excellent - integrated schools can solve multiple problems at once. Balance is needed.
Excellent move by Telangana! YIIRS could be a model for other states. The demographic data shows why this is urgent - over 56% OBCs, 17% SCs
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