Nothing for TS in Union budget: Etela Rajender

There is nothing to cheer about in the Union budget for Telanagana. Though the Government of India appreciated many flagship programmes of Telangana government and asked other States to emulate them, the budget allocations dampened hopes.

Reacting to the Union budget, Finance Minister Etela Rajender said on Thursday that the newly created 29th State of India expected more from the Centre. “From past two and half years, programmes such as Mission Kakatiya, Mission Bhagiratha, Harita Haram and minority residential schools were appreciated by the Centre but the budget is silent on their funding,” Rajender said.

While the State government was marching ahead with novel programmes, it was the responsibility of the Centre to extend a helping hand. Unfortunately, the budget did not give any support. The budget was also silent on the assurances given through the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014 such as sanctioning AIIMS. Rajender questioned sanctioning of AIIMS for other States by sidelining Telangana. “It shows that the Centre is more sympathetic and concerned towards Andhra Pradesh,” the Minister said.

He asked the Centre to look into the injustice meted out to Telangana and take corrective steps in the revised budget.