Minister Vivek Reviews Pre-Budget Priorities; Focus on Labour Welfare, Skill Development & ESIC Services
Hyderabad, February 14: Dr. Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy, Minister for Labour & Employment, Mines and Geology, conducted a pre-budget review meeting with senior officials of the departments under his charge at the Secretariat on Saturday. He reviewed the current expenditure, ongoing schemes, budget allocations, and financial requirements for the upcoming financial year.
The Minister directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for the next financial year to streamline existing schemes, strengthen implementation mechanisms, and ensure efficient delivery of services to the people.
Emphasising labour welfare and skill development, Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy instructed officials to prioritise effective implementation of schemes for workers, provide quality training to youth through Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs), and strengthen the training of trainers in ITIs. He also stressed the need to enhance healthcare services for Insured Persons (IPs) under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
The Minister asked officials to closely follow up on central funds due to the State through ESIC and submit a detailed note on budgetary requirements and expenditure projections. He underscored that improving public service delivery must remain the department’s top priority.
Making it clear that no scheme or service to Insured Persons should be disrupted due to lack of funds, he directed officials to inform him well in advance about financial requirements. He assured that he would coordinate with the Finance Minister and the Chief Minister to ensure timely release of funds.
Reviewing employment generation initiatives, the Minister sought a detailed report on overseas placements facilitated through Telangana Overseas Manpower Company Limited (TOMCOM) and instructed officials to ensure that overseas employment opportunities are effectively realised.
Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy also directed the Employment and Training Department to undertake a comprehensive performance assessment of the ATCs, including budget utilisation, number of youth trained, and placement statistics. He observed that tangible outcomes from the ATCs would encourage corporate entities such as Tata to extend further support and investment.
On the occasion, Special Chief Secretary Dana Kishore, Director of Employment and Training Kanti Wesley, Director of Factories, and other senior officials briefed the Minister on fiscal challenges, departmental requirements, and proposed initiatives for the forthcoming financial year.
