HYDERABAD: After disbursing ₹9,000 crore to farmers under the Rythu Bharosa scheme in nine days, the Congress govt is now preparing to launch its next major welfare initiative-Rajiv Yuva Vikasam-to support youth self-employment ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections.Chief minister A Revanth Reddy has directed deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka to begin groundwork for the scheme, which is estimated to cost Rs 9,000 crore. Raising this amount poses a challenge, especially as the state govt recently cleared Rs 180 crore in pending bills of govt employees and is preparing to pay one pending DA instalment along with June salaries by July 1-an additional burden of Rs 200 crore.
The scheme saw an overwhelming response when applications were invited, with over 16 lakh youth applying. Originally scheduled for launch on June 2, the rollout was postponed to allow for a larger budget-increased from Rs 6,000 crore to Rs 9,000 crore-and better preparation. One of the key hurdles is finalising eligibility guidelines. The govt has already held preliminary talks with banks for loan linkage, but officials say the process is complicated by a significant number of applicants who are loan defaulters. Bankers are reportedly hesitant to approve fresh loans in such cases. However, finance department officials remain confident that a resolution will be reached in the final round of discussions with bankers.Official sources said the aim is to provide flexible support based on individual needs, ensuring youth from all socio-economic backgrounds, especially SC, ST, BC, minority, and EBC/EWS communities, can benefit. The govt is also debating whether to restrict eligibility to one member per family.To mobilise funds for the scheme, the state is reportedly exploring options such as land sales. Meanwhile, mandal-level committees, led by mandal parishad development officers, have been formed to scrutinise applications and select beneficiaries. These committees also include representatives from various welfare departments and local bankers.
