Telangana education transformation plan seeks SASCI support and FRBM relief in meeting with Nirmala Sitharaman

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday. Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu sought extra central support and fiscal relaxations for Telangana’s development plans. The request focused on a major revamp of public education. The state government shared the details in a statement.

Representative image

Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu asked for an extra Rs 5,000 crore under SASCI. This was in addition to the Rs 4,208 crore already set for Telangana. The allocation covered 2025-26. Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu also flagged stress on state finances due to debt repayments.

Telangana education plan and FRBM borrowing limits

The state outlined a Rs 30,000 crore education transformation plan during the meeting. It included Rs 21,000 crore for 105 Young India Integrated Residential Schools campuses. Another Rs 9,000 crore covered junior colleges and degree colleges. It also covered technical institutions and digital infrastructure for the sector.

Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said loan repayments were creating added pressure on the budget. The loans were raised through special purpose vehicles between 2014 and 2023. Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said this constraint limited room for new spending. The statement said this was a key reason for seeking relief measures.

Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu also requested changes linked to two externally aided projects. One was a Rs 4,049 crore ADB-backed YIIRS initiative. The other was a Rs 4,903 crore AIIB-funded education infrastructure mission. Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu asked that these loans stay outside FRBM borrowing limits.

Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu argued these projects were long-term capital investments. Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said these were not routine expenses. The statement said the planned benefits were aimed mainly at SC, ST, BC and minority communities. The request sought more borrowing space for the state.

Singareni Collieries Company Limited coal gasification and mining requests

Later on Wednesday, Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu met Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy. Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu pressed for support for Singareni Collieries Company Limited coal gasification plans. Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu also sought allocation of Koyagudem Block-III. Another demand was faster clearance for Tadicherla Coal Block-II.

The request on Tadicherla Coal Block-II referred to Section 5 of the MMDR Act. The statement said G Kishan Reddy responded positively. G Kishan Reddy promised a joint meeting soon. It would include central and state officials and Singareni representatives, the statement added.

With inputs from PTI