Hyderabad, March 12: Telangana Government Advisor (SC, ST, OBC & Minorities) Mohammed Ali Shabbir praised Governor Jishnu Dev Varma’s address to the Telangana Legislature on Wednesday for its strong focus on social welfare and empowerment. He welcomed the government’s commitment to uplifting Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minorities through various welfare schemes.
Shabbir Ali said the Governor’s speech highlighted Telangana’s leadership in social welfare and inclusive growth. He pointed out that the government has prioritised economic and social justice, ensuring marginalised communities get better access to education, jobs, healthcare, and financial aid. “The Governor’s speech proves that Telangana is setting new benchmarks in welfare governance. The government is not just making promises – it is delivering real benefits to disadvantaged communities,” he said.
He also appreciated the Congress government’s data-driven approach, particularly the recent Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste Survey, which collected precise data on marginalised communities. “For the first time, governance is based on real statistics, not assumptions. This survey will ensure that welfare schemes reach those who need them most,” he stated.
Quoting from the Governor’s address, Shabbir Ali welcomed the proposed 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs) in education and jobs, based on the survey’s findings. He also backed the new Bill for sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs), which follows the recommendations of the Justice Shameem Akther Commission. “These steps will ensure fairer distribution of reservation benefits and better representation for backward communities,” he said.
A key welfare initiative announced in the speech was the Indira Mahila Shakti Mission, aimed at empowering underprivileged women. With a target of creating one crore women entrepreneurs and a financial package of Rs 1 lakh crore, the program will provide sustainable livelihood opportunities. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will manage canteens, make school uniforms, and run vocational training centers. The Gruha Jyoti scheme, which provides free electricity for families consuming up to 200 units, has benefited nearly 50 lakh low-income families. The Rs 500 LPG cylinder subsidy has helped 43 lakh households, reducing financial stress on daily wage earners. Shabbir Ali called these measures essential for ensuring economic stability for poor families.
“In education, the government has expanded Integrated Residential Schools for SC, ST, OBC, and minority students, offering free, high-quality education. The Amma Adarsha Pathashala initiative has strengthened community participation by allowing SHGs to manage school infrastructure. Diet charges in government hostels have increased by 40%, and cosmetic allowances have gone up by 200%, improving living conditions for students,” he said.
Further, Shabbir Ali said that to boost skill development, the government has launched Young India Skill University, which will train youth for better job opportunities. The Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhaya Hastham Scheme provides Rs 1 lakh financial aid to civil services aspirants from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities, ensuring financial difficulties do not stop them from pursuing their goals, he said.
Looking ahead, the government will mark Telangana Social Justice Day on February 4, reaffirming its commitment to equitable growth. It also plans to expand economic support for minorities, providing financial aid for housing, education, and business development. A structured employment drive will be launched to create job opportunities for SC, ST, OBC, and minority youth in both government and private sectors, he said.
Shabbir Ali said Telangana’s governance model is among the most inclusive in the country, ensuring all sections of society benefit from the state’s progress. “The government, headed by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, is turning social justice from an idea into reality for millions. The Governor’s speech reaffirms our commitment to equity, dignity, and prosperity for all,” he said. (eom)