HYDERABAD: Telangana is likely to take a historic decision on implementation of SC and ST sub-plan funds in the state.
The State Cabinet will be meet on February 2 to discuss about changes in the SC and ST sub plans.
According to sources, the Cabinet will mainly discuss the SC and ST sub-plan related issues. The erstwhile AP had brought an Act for implementation of SC and ST sub-plan funds and thereby made it legal to spend the funds. However, the Telangana government did not adopt Bangaru Talli and SC and ST sub plan Act.
However, the State government recently constituted SC and ST committees with the elected representatives. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao also elicited the views of the SC and ST MLAs, MLCs and MPs on how to spend the SC and ST sub-plan funds. Later, Deputy Chief Minister (Education) K Srihari held a meeting on the same.
In the wake of the Union Cabinet deciding to forgo the plan and non-plan pattern of the budget and bring in revenue and capital expenditure (due to the GST bill) in its place, the SC and ST sub plan pattern too has to be changed accordingly. After the thorough exercise, the State government is likely to make some amendments to the sub-plans.
According to sources, the State government may amend the rules that the SC and ST sub plan funds, unspent in a particular budget year, will be carried forward to the next Budget.
Telangana is the only State to have this ‘carry forward’ option. If the State cabinet decided to amend the rules to carry forward the funds, then it will be a historic decision, sources added.
Meanwhile, the State Cabinet will reportedly meet once again, later in the month to finalise the Budget session of the State Legislative Assembly.