The Telangana State Assembly is gearing up for a significant budget session starting on Tuesday. This session is expected to be a crucial platform for both the ruling and opposition parties to address pressing issues and present their respective agendas. The ruling Congress party is set to unveil its first full-scale budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, highlighting its achievements over the past seven months. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are preparing to challenge the government’s performance on various fronts.
Key Highlights of the Budget Session
Commencement of the Assembly Session
The Telangana State Assembly session is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, with the government planning to conduct the meetings for approximately 7-10 days. The initial day’s proceedings will include a condolence motion for BRS member Lasya Nanditha, who tragically passed away in a road accident. Following this, the session will adjourn temporarily, resuming for more substantive discussions and presentations.
Presentation of the Full-Scale Budget
Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka is set to present the full-scale budget on July 25, with a proposed outlay exceeding Rs. 2.9 lakh crore. This budget follows the temporary Vote-on-Account budget presented in February, which had an allocation of Rs. 2.75 lakh crore. The new budget aims to address various developmental and welfare initiatives promised by the Congress government.
Government’s Agenda and Key Bills
Focus on Welfare Schemes
The government is expected to emphasize its implementation of welfare schemes, including the Rythu Bharosa scheme, which aims to replace the Rythu Bandhu initiative. Additionally, the government plans to release a White Paper detailing fake beneficiaries of welfare schemes and introduce measures to recover funds from ineligible recipients. The announcement of a job calendar is also anticipated, fulfilling promises made to address unemployment.
Introduction of Key Bills
Several important bills are slated for introduction during this session. These include legislation to resolve issues related to the Dharani portal, which handles land records and transactions, and a bill to establish a skill university. These initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance administrative efficiency and boost educational infrastructure.
Opposition’s Strategy and Key Issues
BRS’s Criticisms and Concerns
The BRS plans to challenge the Congress government on multiple issues, including the handling of the crop loan waiver, job vacancies, and delays in fund disbursement to local bodies. The party intends to highlight the alleged inefficiencies of the current administration and question the implementation of the Six Guarantees, particularly the exclusion of many farmers from the crop loan waiver scheme due to restrictive criteria.
BJP’s Demands and Proposals
The BJP is poised to demand accountability from the government regarding its unfulfilled electoral promises. The party will focus on issues such as job notification delays, inadequate crop loan waiver implementation, and the non-disbursement of Rythu Bharosa funds. The BJP aims to pressure the government into action on these critical concerns.
Political Dynamics and Anticipated Outcomes
Defection and Political Realignments
A significant point of contention is the defection of 10 BRS MLAs and six MLCs to the Congress party over the past six months. The BRS plans to urge the Speaker to disqualify these members under the anti-defection law. This development highlights the ongoing political realignments and tensions within the state’s legislative framework.
BAC Meeting and Session Planning
The Business Advisory Committee (BAC) will convene to determine the number of working days for the session and finalize the agenda. This meeting will play a crucial role in shaping the proceedings and ensuring that all relevant issues are adequately addressed.
Conclusion
The upcoming budget session of the Telangana State Assembly promises to be a dynamic and pivotal event, with significant implications for the state’s political landscape. The ruling Congress party will aim to solidify its position by showcasing its accomplishments, while the opposition parties will strive to hold the government accountable for its performance and promises. As the session unfolds, all eyes will be on the key debates and legislative actions that will shape the future of Telangana.
With both sides preparing to present their cases vigorously, the session is expected to be a critical moment in Telangana’s political discourse, highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing the state’s governance and development.