Telangana High Court Questions State Priorities on Welfare Schemes and Debt

The Telangana High Court in Hyderabad on Thursday questioned the State government's financial priorities and retained its interim stay on the disbursement of funds under the Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak schemes. Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar took serious view of the government withholding dues from various sections, including land losers and staff, while funding large welfare programmes.

The judge was hearing a writ petition filed by advocate Vijay Gopal, appearing as a party-in-person, who challenged the implementation of the two welfare schemes without legislative approval. The High Court had previously stayed the operation of eight Government Orders relating to the schemes, including fund disbursements, after the State failed to file a counter-affidavit.

During the proceedings, the bench objected to the incorrect citation of Article 162 of the Constitution in the counter-affidavit filed by the Principal Secretary of the Backward Classes Welfare Department. Pointing out that an explanation contrary to the constitutional provision was included, the judge sought an explanation. Additional Advocate General Imran Khan acknowledged the mistake and assured the court that a corrected affidavit would be submitted.

Justice Shravan Kumar clarified that the court did not intend to interfere with welfare schemes, but questioned the justification for withholding dues from pensioners, staff, and farmers who surrendered land for public purposes. The judge noted that temporary employees were struggling due to unpaid wages and pointed out that even court staff had not received salaries for several months.

Observing that the BC Welfare Department's affidavit lacked information on Telangana's debt status, the court directed the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department to file a detailed counter-affidavit. The response must detail the State's total accumulated debt, whether loans were taken specifically to fund these schemes, and compliance with the Telangana Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2005. The matter was adjourned to August 24.