Health, education to get priority in state budget, says Bhatti

Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister and finance minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday said the state govt will place health, education and welfare at the core of the upcoming budget, stressing that allocations must directly improve services for vulnerable sections.At a series of pre-budget meetings with departments, he called for realistic planning and strict prioritisation of proposals, particularly in the welfare sector. He directed officials to clear pending bills for welfare hostels and repair works without delay, ensure timely scholarship payments, and upgrade infrastructure for Backward Classes students. Highlighting education reforms, Bhatti said the govt is establishing Young India Integrated Schools to promote inclusive learning. He also pushed for biometric attendance systems linked to a central control room and the installation of solar power in hostels to reduce costs and create revenue. Officials reviewed new employment initiatives for BC communities and the performance of the Mahalakshmi free bus travel scheme for women. Plans are also underway to set up Ambedkar knowledge centres in rural areas to support students preparing for competitive examinations through online coaching. On infrastructure, Bhatti said road projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore are under execution, including works under the hybrid annuity model, Regional Ring Road, Hyderabad-Vijayawada corridor, connectivity to Machilipatnam port, and the Raviryala-Srisailam stretch. Irrigation minister Uttam Kumar Reddy emphasised crop diversification to address farm challenges.