Hyderabad: SC and ST welfare minister Adluri Laxman Kumar on Sunday urged Union minister for social justice and empowerment Virendra Kumar to extend financial assistance to various self-employment schemes being implemented by the Telangana government for youth from SC, ST communities, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and transgender persons.
Telangana's comprehensive and forward-looking welfare model has set a benchmark for other states, Laxman Kumar said while participating in the Chintan Shivir-2026, organised by the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment in Chandigarh on Sunday. The conclave brought together ministers and senior officials from various states to deliberate on social justice, effective delivery of welfare schemes, and the holistic development of SCs, STs, BCs, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and transgender persons.
Telangana's Welfare Achievements Highlighted
Chief minister Revanth Reddy-led Congress government in Telangana is pursuing a governance model anchored in equality, social justice, empowerment and dignity. The state has spent Rs 574 crore on post-matric scholarships, benefiting 3.39 lakh students, and Rs 66 crore on pre-matric scholarships, covering 73,666 students. Additionally, Rs 24 crore has been invested in SC study circles, enabling 2,426 aspirants to receive coaching for competitive examinations, including civil services.
Stating that the state government has allocated Rs 628 crore towards SC hostels, benefiting 2.26 lakh students with free accommodation, food and allied facilities, Laxman said Rs 476 crore has been extended to 47,539 beneficiaries under the Kalyana Lakshmi scheme, easing the burden of marriage expenses among economically weaker sections. Incentives amounting to Rs 43 crore have also been provided to 1,723 inter-caste couples, promoting social integration.
Reservation Reform and Pension Schemes
In a significant reform, the state enacted the Telangana SC Rationalisation of Reservations Act, 2025, aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of reservation benefits among Dalit communities. Under the Cheyutha pension scheme, 4.74 lakh beneficiaries are receiving a monthly pension of Rs 4,016, with an annual outlay of Rs 2,288 crore. Additionally, the state is extending pensions to 16.36 lakh elderly persons, with an annual expenditure of Rs 3,958 crore.
The minister's appeal for central funds underscores the state's commitment to expanding self-employment opportunities and strengthening the social safety net for marginalized groups.
