Mallanna flags BC budget issues, mic cut creates ruckus in Council

Socio Economic Output report for 2024 claimed that over 2.44 lakh BC students received scholarships, the latest budget reflected only about 42,000 beneficiaries. He alleged that this indicated denial of support to a significant number of students

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Proceedings in the Telangana Legislative Council turned tense on Tuesday after MLC Teenmaar Mallanna raised serious concerns over the allocation and implementation of funds for Backward Classes (BCs), alleging large scale discrepancies and neglect in welfare measures.

Highlighting what he termed as a “BC Budget scam,” Mallanna questioned the government over gaps in scholarship distribution, employment opportunities, and overall social justice. He expressed anguish over the current budget, stating that as a representative of BCs, he felt ashamed looking at the figures presented.

Citing official data, Mallanna pointed to major inconsistencies in scholarship numbers. While the Socio Economic Output report for 2024 claimed that over 2.44 lakh BC students received scholarships, the latest budget reflected only about 42,000 beneficiaries. He alleged that this indicated denial of support to a significant number of students.

The MLC further accused the government of diverting funds meant for BC welfare. He claimed that thousands of crores allocated to education and post matric scholarships over the years were either underutilized or redirected, raising questions over transparency and accountability.

Mallanna also criticized the non implementation of the BC Sub Plan, despite repeated assurances of substantial annual allocations. He challenged the government to make its stance clear if it was unwilling to fulfill commitments made to BC communities.

Raising concerns over inequality, he highlighted disparities in wealth and employment, stating that representation of BCs in higher economic and academic positions remains disproportionately low. He also flagged the issue of unemployment, noting that lakhs of youth remain registered with recruitment bodies while vacancies continue to remain unfilled.

During his intervention, Mallanna sought an opportunity to raise questions, asserting that he was not making a speech but seeking answers. However, his microphone was cut during the proceedings, triggering tension in the House and sparking debate among members.

Calling for accountability, Mallanna demanded immediate clarity on scholarship distribution, implementation of the BC Sub Plan, and filling up of vacancies. He urged the government to ensure that budget allocations translate into tangible benefits for BC communities.