Hyderabad: Labour & Employment, Mines and Geology Minister Vivek Venkatswamy held a pre-budget review meeting with senior officials at the Secretariat on Saturday and assessed expenditure, schemes and allocations for the upcoming financial year.
During the meeting, Vivek Venkatswamy examined current spending patterns, ongoing schemes and budget requirements. He directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the next financial year. Moreover, he asked them to streamline existing schemes and strengthen implementation mechanisms to ensure efficient service delivery.
Emphasising welfare and skill development, Vivek Venkatswamy instructed departments to prioritise schemes for labourers. He also sought quality training for youth through Advanced Technology Centres and stronger training of trainers in ITIs. In addition, he called for improved healthcare services for Insured Persons under ESIC.
Vivek Venkatswamy stresses funding and employment focus
Vivek Venkatswamy asked officials to closely follow up on central funds due to the State through ESIC. He directed them to submit a detailed note on budgetary needs and expenditure projections. Furthermore, he said public service delivery must remain the top priority.
He made it clear that no scheme or service for Insured Persons should suffer due to lack of funds. Therefore, he asked officials to inform him well in advance about financial requirements. He assured that he would coordinate with the Finance Minister and the Chief Minister to secure timely fund release.
Reviewing employment initiatives, Vivek Venkatswamy sought a report on overseas placements facilitated through TOMCOM. He instructed officials to ensure these overseas opportunities translate into actual placements. Additionally, he asked the Employment and Training Department to assess the performance of Advanced Technology Centres, including budget use, number of youth trained and placement data.
He observed that tangible outcomes from the centres would encourage corporate entities such as TATA to extend further support and investment. Special Chief Secretary Dana Kishore, Director of Employment and Training Kanti Wesley, Director of Factories and other senior officials briefed the Minister on fiscal challenges and proposed initiatives for the next financial year.