Hyderabad: Reinforcing its welfare-first approach in the budget, the govt has stepped up allocations for Backward Classes and minorities while outlining a broader welfare push that spans communities, regions and livelihoods.The govt earmarked ₹3,769 crore for minorities—₹178 crore more than last year—and ₹12,511 crore for BCs welfare, up from ₹11,405 crore in 2025-26. While allocations for SCs and STs appear lower on paper, the govt maintained that there is no cut, pointing to new schemes and spending routed under separate heads. Overall, more than ₹36,000 crore has been allocated across SC, ST, BC and minority welfare, including ₹11,784 crore for SCs, and ₹7,937 crore for STs.Finance minister Bhatti Vikramarka underlined the govt’s focus, saying: “Our main objective is to ensure social justice to the SCs and STs. Through residential schools and skill development programmes, we are making efforts to provide them with employment opportunities. We have sanctioned 910 SC community halls/Ambedkar Bhavans/statues at an estimated cost of ₹368 crore.”He added that the govt is committed to implementing the SC and ST Sub-Plan Act in full, while clearing past arrears. “Our govt is firmly committed to full implementation of the SC and ST Sub-Plan Act. As on the day our govt was formed… these arrears were also additionally allocated… We are allocating these pending amounts as an addition to the sums required to be allocated for the financial year 2026-27,” he said. The budget also highlights new social infrastructure, including a BR Ambedkar knowledge tower in Hyderabad and a hostel in the name of Babu Jagjivan Ram in Kachiguda. Extending the focus to tribal areas, Bhatti said: “The govt is committed to tribal development.” He outlined plans for a tribal university in Mulugu, new corporations, promotion of ‘GIRI’ products and Adivasi seva kendras—signalling a wider push to ensure development reaches beyond urban centres.
