BRS government accelerates implementation of welfare schemes

The BRS government in Hyderabad has set ambitious goals for developmental activities and new schemes in the election year. District Collectors have been given full powers to release adequate funds to complete the development programmes within the specified time. The fast-track schemes include sheep distribution, new Aasara pensions for those above 57 years, identification of beneficiaries for Rs 3 lakh cash benefit scheme to construct houses if they own a plot, completion of 2 BHK houses, regularization of houses constructed on government lands and Dalit Bandhu scheme. The government has earmarked enough funds for these schemes, but the identification of genuine beneficiaries is a major challenge. Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has instructed officials to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out and the process is completed within six months. Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari is holding regular meetings with top officials of every district to review arrangements being made for the effective implementation of the welfare schemes which are to be grounded from April. District officials have been instructed to dispose off pending applications in coordination with local MLAs. The Chief Minister is planning to hold a District Collectors’ conference in April, and they have been asked to prepare scheme-wise action plans and submit them to the government before the conference. The government aims to implement all schemes ahead of the expected October poll notification.