Speed up RRR project, Bhatti tells R&B officials

During pre-budget meetings with ministers and senior officials of the R&B department, Bhatti Vikramarka stressed the urgent need to expedite the construction of the RRR project. He assured the officials that adequate funds would be allocated for the project in the upcoming budget 2025-26.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti VikramarkaHe further instructed officials to prioritise the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR) and 3D designs for the project. He also called for a comprehensive report on R&B assets across the state, ensuring that these valuable resources are protected from encroachment.

Accompanied by R&B minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Bhatti Vikramarka urged officials to follow through with the construction of Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) roads and fully develop roadways connecting district centres to Hyderabad. He highlighted the importance of such infrastructure as thousands of people travel to the state capital daily for work.

Addressing the implementation of the SC and ST Sub-Plan Act, Bhatti reminded officials of the Congress government's initiative and stressed the need for its full execution in the current administration. “We will take steps to implement this act in its entirety,” he said, ensuring that resources under the act would be utilised effectively to promote welfare and development.

The Deputy Chief Minister also held a meeting with BC welfare and transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar, focusing on welfare initiatives and enhancing employment opportunities for Backward Classes. He announced that immediate payments would be made to clear the rent arrears of welfare hostels and Gurukuls currently operating from rented buildings.

“We will pay the rent arrears of hostels and Gurukuls immediately,” he said. The ministers also discussed urgent repairs to welfare hostels and Gurukuls, particularly ensuring the installation of mosquito nets on windows and doors to protect students from mosquito-borne diseases.

The meeting also explored measures to transform BC study centres into job creation hubs. The finance minister directed that coaching programmes be aligned with the Telangana Public Service Commission job calendar, focusing on exams like DSC and banking, to provide students with viable career pathways.

The introduction of vocational courses in Gurukuls was proposed to equip students with skills for future employment. The finance minister said that these courses would complement the existing curriculum, offering students greater opportunities for skill development.

In the transport sector, the ministers discussed the acquisition of electric buses for the RTC and the establishment of charging stations to support their operation. Officials also reviewed the management of RTC assets and income sources, laying the groundwork for improvements in the public transport system.