Hyderabad: Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka Urges Bankers’ Support for Telangana’s Ambitious Development Plans at SLBC Meeting
Hyderabad, May 22, 2025: Telangana’s Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka addressed the State-Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting in Hyderabad, outlining the state’s transformative initiatives, including the “Rajiv Yuva Vikasam” scheme, agricultural priorities, and green energy projects. He called for active collaboration from bankers to achieve the state’s development goals, emphasizing their role in fulfilling social responsibilities.
Rajiv Yuva Vikasam: Empowering 5 Lakh Youth
The Deputy CM announced that the state government aims to distribute sanction letters to 5 lakh unemployed youth under the “Rajiv Yuva Vikasam” self-employment scheme on June 2, coinciding with Telangana Formation Day. Describing the initiative as unprecedented, he highlighted its ₹9,000 crore financial assistance package, with ₹6,250 crore provided as subsidies. The scheme reverses the traditional 70:30 loan-to-subsidy ratio, prioritizing larger subsidies to support entrepreneurship.
Vikramarka stressed that unutilized educated and skilled human resources are a loss to society. By channeling their potential into productive sectors, the scheme aims to boost Telangana’s GDP. He urged the SLBC to appoint a state-level nodal officer to coordinate with banks and ensure effective implementation, with only 0.2% of the state’s ₹8 lakh crore Annual Credit Plan allocated to this initiative.
Focus on Human Resource Development
The government is prioritizing human capital development through initiatives like establishing a Skill University and Advanced Technology Centers in every Assembly constituency. Vikramarka emphasized continued support for education through fee reimbursement schemes from school to university level, ensuring a skilled workforce. For youth not securing government jobs, the government aims to foster entrepreneurship and industrial growth, with “Rajiv Yuva Vikasam” being a flagship effort led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and the cabinet.
Agriculture: A Top Priority
Reiterating the government’s commitment to agriculture, the Deputy CM highlighted the promotion of horticultural crops, particularly oil palm cultivation, described as a “dream project.” He urged banks to provide liberal loans for oil palm farming. Fulfilling election promises, the government has disbursed ₹21,000 crore to clear farm loans up to ₹2 lakh and continues to support farmers through Rythu Bharosa and Rythu Bima schemes, covering insurance premiums.
Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam: ₹12,600 Crore Initiative
The Deputy CM launched the “Indira Soura Giri Jala Vikasam” project, allocating ₹12,600 crore to bring 6.7 lakh acres of forest land with ROFR titles under solar-powered irrigation. This initiative aims to uplift forest-dwelling tribal communities by improving their livelihoods.
Additionally, the government has provided over ₹20,000 crore in interest-free loans to Self-Help Group (SHG) women this year, with a goal of disbursing ₹1 lakh crore over the next four years. SHG women are also being supported with business opportunities, including renting buses to TSRTC and establishing solar power plants.
Green Energy and Industrial Growth
Vikramarka outlined Telangana’s New Energy Policy, targeting 20,000 MW of green energy production by 2030. The government is also working on reviving the Musi River and developing industrial clusters between Hyderabad’s Outer Ring Road and Regional Ring Road, signaling robust infrastructure development.
Call to Bankers
Concluding his address, the Deputy CM urged bankers to actively participate in achieving the 2025–26 Annual Credit Plan targets. He emphasized the need for banks and the government to collaborate in fulfilling social responsibilities, paving the way for a prosperous and peaceful society.
Notable Attendees
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Finance Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Principal Secretary (SC Development) N. Sridhar, Tribal Welfare Secretary Sharath, BC Welfare Secretary Sridhar, RBI Regional Director Chinmoy Kumar, NABARD CGM Uday Bhaskar, SBI Deputy MD Rajesh Kumar, and SLBC Convenor Prakash Chandra.
Telangana’s rapid development, as highlighted by Vikramarka, continues to draw nationwide attention, with the state positioning itself as a leader in human resource development, agriculture, and sustainable growth.
