Hyderabad: With only a few months left for the next budget, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka directed the heads of various departments to submit reports on budget expenditure on the SC, ST Sub-Plan Act of the current financial year. He asked the officials to take serious cognizance of the Act. During a review meeting at the Secretariat, Bhatti highlighted the need to ensure that the budgetary funds allocated for the welfare of SC and ST communities are used appropriately and in line with the legal framework. During the meeting, he enquired about the budget allocation to various departments, expenditure and unspent funds from the previous budget. Bhatti stressed the importance of strictly implementing the SC, ST Sub-Plan and urged the officials to come up with a report detailing the expenditure and submit it within a month. He assured that the state government is firm in its commitment to the effective execution of the Act. The Deputy Chief Minister directed the formation of a support unit for its implementation and deputed Principal Secretary Finance to oversee the implementation, expenditure of funds and ensuring adherence to the scheme. He also emphasised that monitoring and evaluation, particularly through research units, will play a key role in assessing the impact and success of these measures. The government has called for strict compliance and close scrutiny to ensure that SC, ST welfare programmes receive adequate support and funding as mandated by law.