Telangana government faces challenges in securing Central funds
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka has directed state departments to improve coordination with Central ministries to ensure the release of eligible assistance.
The Congress government in Telangana is struggling to obtain Central funds and effectively use allocations for various schemes, according to Telangana Today.
During a review of Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) at the Dr BR Ambedkar State Secretariat on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka told officials to increase efforts to access available assistance.
Bhatti Vikramarka said departments must submit proposals on time and maintain constant coordination with Central ministries to secure funds due to the state. He noted that Telangana contributes 40 per cent of the funds under CSS and urged officials to focus on outcomes instead of just expenditure.
The Deputy Chief Minister instructed departments to prioritise the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, specifically in the health, agriculture, transport, municipal administration, and irrigation sectors.
He also advised officials to use liaison officers at Telangana Bhavan in New Delhi to track pending funds and follow up on representations made by the Chief Minister and himself to Union Ministers.
Officials informed the Deputy Chief Minister that the state is clearing pending bills and releasing its share of CSS funds on schedule.