metro india news  I hyderabad

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka has announced an ambitious global expansion plan for Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL), underscoring the government’s commitment to worker safety and economic growth. Speaking to the media after inaugurating the new GM office and workshop in Kothagudam on Saturday, he stated that expert committees have been appointed to prepare recommendations for taking Singareni’s expertise in coal mining and mineral excavation to the international stage.

Highlighting Singareni's legacy of over a century, the Deputy CM noted that new mines are poised to extract 22 million tonnes of coal over the next three decades. “Our first priority is always the safety of our workers—business comes only after that,” he stressed. As a testament to that commitment, he announced a record-breaking accident insurance policy of Rs.1 crore along with compassionate appointments for the families of any workers who lose their lives in accidents.

Bhatti addresses Tribal Welfare initiatives at Adivasi Congress meet

At a gathering of Telangana Adivasi Congress workers in Palwancha, Khammam district, Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu reiterated the Congress government’s unwavering commitment to the empowerment and welfare of tribal communities. He criticised the previous TRS administration for failing to utilise SC/ST Sub-Plan funds over the past decade and emphasized that the current “Praja Government” has allocated Rs.. 17,169 crore for tribal welfare, along with an additional Rs.. 1,296 crore in unspent funds carried forward.

Bhatti highlighted that the government is implementing targeted welfare schemes aimed at promoting dignity and equality in every household and will soon distribute detailed reports to families outlining the benefits received and government expenditure. The Deputy CM also spoke about the training of tribal leaders through the AICC to help them identify and implement solutions tailored to their communities.

He strongly condemned the land encroachments under the Dharani system and stressed the introduction of the Bhu Bharati Act as a crucial measure to secure land rights for the poor. Further, he announced a record Rs. 1,000 crore allocation under the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Self-Employment Scheme for tribal youth and outlined the Indira Solar Tribal Development Scheme, which aims to bring 6.7 lakh acres of forest land under cultivation with an investment of Rs. 12,500 crore. He emphasised the Nallamala Declaration as a vital step in protecting the rights and dignity of tribals.