Ponnam directs faster implementation of BC welfare schemes, school upgrades | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: BC welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday directed officials to ensure transparency and speed in implementing welfare schemes for backward classes (BC), expedite infrastructure development in residential schools and create more self-employment opportunities for beneficiaries.During a meeting of the BC welfare department at the secretariat, the minister reviewed the implementation of various schemes, including overseas education assistance, sewing machine distribution, gurukul school infrastructure and BC study circles.The minister instructed officials to process pending applications from eligible and meritorious students under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Overseas Education Fund scheme without delay.He also directed them to expedite govt orders (GOs) for 38 Atma Gaurava Bhavans. Reviewing the Indiramma Intinta Kuttu Mishanlu scheme, the minister said 4.80 lakh applications were received. Govt plans to give them to 1.90 lakh women in the first phase, with at least 1,000 beneficiaries allocated to each assembly constituency. He directed the officials to prepare an action plan to distribute sewing machines by Dec 9 and accelerate the tender process.The minister noted that only 26 of the state’s 327 Mahatma Jyotiba Phule gurukul schools had their own buildings, while 301 operated from private premises. He directed officials to expedite land acquisition, particularly for schools requiring permanent campuses, and pursue permissions and funding for 37 schools that already had land. District collectors were instructed to visit at least one residential school every month.Ponnam Prabhakar also called for reforms in BC study circles based on a five-member committee’s report, including selecting capable directors through a dedicated committee. He stressed quality training to improve employment prospects.He directed officials to develop self-employment plans for BC corporation trainees, establish skill training centres through caste-based associations and explore a pilot project modelled on livestock distribution.