Congress govt struggles to secure Central funds, utilise scheme allocations

Hyderabad: The Congress government appears to be struggling to secure Central funds and effectively utilise allocations under various schemes. Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has asked all departments to step up efforts to tap available assistance and clear pending issues.

At a high-level review meeting with senior officials at the Dr BR Ambedkar State Secretariat on Tuesday, Bhatti Vikramarka stressed the need for timely submission of proposals, continuous coordination with Central ministries and follow-up to ensure the release of funds due to Telangana. The directions have brought into focus the gaps in the State’s efforts to secure its eligible share of Central assistance.

Reviewing the implementation of Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), he asked departments to ensure full utilisation of allocations and deliver the intended benefits. He pointed out that the State contributes 40 per cent of the funds under CSS and said officials should focus on outcomes rather than merely expenditure.

The Deputy Chief Minister also directed officials to make maximum use of the Centre’s Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme and prioritise its implementation in the Irrigation, Municipal Administration, Transport, Agriculture and Health departments. He asked departments to use liaison officers at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi to pursue pending funds and follow up on representations made by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister to Union Ministers.

The officials informed him that the State was releasing its share of CSS funds on time and clearing pending bills.