Hyderabad: After conducting the caste (SEEEPC) survey, followed by passing 42% reservation bills for the backward classes (BC) and the SC sub-classification Bill, the Congress govt on Wednesday allocated 40,232 crore for Scheduled Castes (SCs) welfare, 17,169 crore for Scheduled Tribes (STs) welfare, 11,405 crore for BC welfare, and 3,591 crore for minority welfare in the 2025-26 budget.
The allocations for these communities in the 2024-25 (current fiscal) were SC development (33,124 crore), ST development (17,056 crore), BC welfare (9,200 crore), and minorities welfare (3,003 crore). While the total allocation for SC, ST, BC, and minority welfare in 2024-25 was 62,383 crore, it is 72,397 crore in the 2025-26 financial year, marking an increase of 10,014 crore.
Experts said, like the previous BRS govt, which had the details of the communities through its Samagra Kutumba Survey, the incumbent Congress govt is now armed with more scientifically conducted survey data about the socio-economic, education, employment, political, and caste. If the Congress govt is able to utilise the survey data properly to extend welfare schemes and other projects to the deserving sections, it has the scope of getting closer to these communities.
On his part, finance minister Bhatti Vikramarka said the previous BRS govt completely neglected the implementation of the SC/ST sub-plan. “Our government is committed to the strict implementation of this law. In the 2025-26 financial year, we are not only allocating the required budget but also releasing the funds pending since 2023-24. Respecting the laws made for the SC/ST communities and ensuring they receive their rightful funds is a testament to our govt’s genuine commitment to their welfare,” he added.