Hyderabad: BC Welfare and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Monday reaffirmed the Congress government’s strong commitment to uplifting weaker sections in Telangana. Responding to questions from MLCs Nellikanti Satyam, Banda Prakash, and Anji Reddy in the Legislative Council, he outlined key initiatives targeting education, employment, and welfare. However, some critics have argued a weaker commitment to certain social sectors.
Boosting education and student support
Ponnam stated that the government has significantly increased scholarships for foreign education and is actively enhancing support systems for disadvantaged communities. Furthermore, he criticized the previous administration for neglecting to build permanent campuses for BC residential schools. As a result, many schools operated from rented premises. This led to unpaid dues.
“Now, we are paying rents on time, have hiked mess charges by 40%, improved food quality, and raised cosmetic allowances for students,” he emphasized. Despite previous weaker commitments, these changes mark a significant improvement.
Empowering women and rural livelihoods
To promote self-employment, the government plans to distribute sewing machines to BC women across all 119 constituencies. Moreover, it will expand the dairy-based livelihood pilot project originally launched in Madhira throughout the state.
Ponnam also confirmed that the BC Sub-Plan is being implemented in full. This ensures every rupee of allocated funds is utilized efficiently.
Push for stronger reservations and national representation
Additionally, the minister urged BJP legislators to advocate for 42% reservations for BCs in education, employment, and politics at the national level. “Only with stronger reservations can we ensure real justice for marginalized communities,” he asserted. He also reiterated his call for the creation of a dedicated Union Ministry for Weaker Sections to address their needs effectively.
Broad educational outreach and strategic planning
Ponnam highlighted that 1.5 lakh students are currently enrolled in MJPTBCWREIS institutions. Statewide, nearly one million SC, ST, BC, and minority students are studying in welfare schools. To improve coordination and future planning, he announced that the state will convene a meeting. This will involve BC public representatives, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, and Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka to shape future strategies that will address areas previously identified as having weaker commitments.