HYDERABAD: Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy has hailed the Rs 3.04 lakh crore Telangana Budget for 2025-26, presented by Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu in the Assembly, as a bold and progressive financial plan. He stated that the budget will strengthen the state’s economy, boost agriculture, and ensure social welfare for all sections of society.
Speaking to the media after the budget presentation, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the allocations reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable development, rural empowerment, and food security under the leadership of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. He emphasized that key investments in irrigation and civil supplies will drive long-term growth, benefiting farmers, rural communities, and economically weaker sections.
Irrigation and Water Resource Development
Expressing strong approval for the Rs 23,373 crore allocation for irrigation and command area development, Uttam Kumar Reddy stated that the budget prioritizes the completion of pending irrigation projects and the launch of new ones. He assured that Telangana’s farmers would receive uninterrupted water supply, securing agricultural productivity.
He highlighted the Udaya Samudram-Brahmana Velamala Lift Irrigation Project, which will lift 6.70 TMC of water from the Udaya Samudram Balancing Reservoir to the Brahmana Velamala Balancing Reservoir. The project will irrigate one lakh acres and provide safe drinking water to 107 fluoride-affected villages in Nalgonda and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts, offering relief to drought-prone areas.
Additionally, he welcomed the Rs 266.65 crore allocation for the revitalization of the Bunadigani Canal under the Musi Project, which will improve water distribution for farmers in Yadadri district, leading to better agricultural output.
He lauded the government’s strong stance in securing Telangana’s rightful share of Krishna and Godavari river waters, pointing out that the previous administration had failed to act, leading to unfair water allocations favoring Andhra Pradesh. Under the Revanth Reddy government, Telangana has actively presented its case before the Brijesh Kumar Tribunal to demand a fair share of water resources.
To improve water management, Uttam Kumar Reddy praised the implementation of a real-time telemetry system to monitor water usage, making the allocation process more transparent and efficient.
Food Security and Civil Supplies
As the Minister for Civil Supplies, Uttam Kumar Reddy expressed satisfaction over the Rs 5,734 crore allocation for the Civil Supplies Department, ensuring food security for millions of Telangana families.
He highlighted the Gruha Jyothi Scheme, which provides free electricity to households consuming up to 200 units. He noted that 50 lakh families have benefited from this initiative, with Rs 1,775.15 crore allocated to sustain the scheme.
He also welcomed the Indiramma Housing Scheme, which provides homes in the name of women beneficiaries. With 4.5 lakh houses sanctioned and Rs 22,500 crore allocated, he called it a historic step toward women’s empowerment and housing security.
Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Boost
Uttam Kumar Reddy praised the Rythu Bharosa scheme, under which each farmer will receive Rs 12,000 per acre annually to cover investment costs for seeds, fertilizers, and technology. The Rs 18,000 crore allocation for this scheme will improve farmers’ financial stability and enhance agricultural productivity.
He particularly welcomed the Rs 500 per quintal bonus for fine rice procurement, which has encouraged an increase in fine rice cultivation from 25 lakh acres to 40 lakh acres. He assured that the paddy procurement system is being strengthened to ensure farmers receive fair prices and protection from market fluctuations.
Welfare Initiatives for Marginalized Communities
Calling the Rs 3.04 lakh crore budget a visionary roadmap, Uttam Kumar Reddy praised Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu for delivering a well-structured plan for inclusive development. He highlighted record allocations for marginalized communities:
• Rs 40,232 crore for Scheduled Caste (SC) Welfare
• Rs 17,169 crore for Scheduled Tribe (ST) Welfare
• Rs 11,405 crore for Backward Classes (BC) Welfare
• Rs 31,605 crore for Rural Development
• Rs 12,393 crore for Healthcare
• Rs 3,591 crore for Minority Welfare
These allocations, he said, demonstrate the government’s commitment to social equity and upliftment.
Uttam Kumar Reddy also praised the Abhayahastam scheme, which includes:
• Free bus travel for women under the Mahalakshmi scheme
• Rs 500 LPG cylinders for households
• Expanded ration card benefits for poor families
He called these initiatives transformational steps in improving the quality of life for economically weaker sections.
A Budget for Hope and Progress
Uttam Kumar Reddy concluded by stating, “This is a budget of hope, progress, and prosperity. It prioritizes farmers, strengthens food security, and expands welfare for the underprivileged. Under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s leadership, Telangana is moving toward a brighter, more inclusive future. Every citizen – whether in rural villages or urban centres—will benefit from the vision and policies outlined in this budget.”
