We live in a world of abundant resources, but deep inequality. The failure of trickle-down economics is evident. What we now need is ‘lift-all’ development- inclusive growth that uplifts everyone Bhatti Vikramarka Deputy Chief Minister TG

Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the State government is crafting a new definition of development-one that blends economic growth with a strong human dimension.

Speaking as the chief guest at the ASSOCHAM Southern CSR and Sustainability Conference and Awards on Friday, the Deputy Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the entire cabinet is committed to building a Telangana that is fiscally disciplined, socially inclusive and environmentally responsible.

He remarked, “We live in a world of abundant resources, but deep inequality. The failure of trickle-down economics is evident. What we now need is ‘lift-all’ development- inclusive growth that uplifts everyone".

Reiterating the core ideology of the Congress party, Bhatti Vikramarka said that economic growth must be built on the foundation of social justice and Telangana’s people-centric government is working with commitment to that ideal.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that corporate actions should be driven not by charity, but by a sense of responsibility.

“Work not for applause, but for transformation. Our efforts should not only be about building companies but about improving the wellbeing of society at large,” he said.

"Telangana is an ideal destination for corporate CSR initiatives. The State provides a platform not just to fulfill CSR mandates, but to do so with 100 percent impact and transparency," Bhatti Vikramarka said.

He called upon the companies across India to consider Telangana as a prime hub for their CSR investments. “Telangana is not just competing with other Indian states — it is competing with developed nations,” he said.

"In sectors like healthcare, pharma, IT and food grains, Telangana has set an unmatched trajectory. The State is establishing Young India International Residential Schools with international standards to provide quality education to underprivileged students. Each school is being built on a 25-acre campus with an investment of Rs.200 crore. In Phase 1, 100 schools-one per assembly constituency-have been sanctioned,"Bhatti Vikramarka said.

He added that while building schools is one challenge, managing them is another. On seeking help from the corporate sector for school operations, the response was “phenomenal.” Within 15 days, several companies came forward expressing their willingness to take full responsibility for managing the schools.

The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that 100 existing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are being upgraded into advanced technology centers with corporate partnerships. “CSR is often seen as a legal mandate- 2 percent of profits for social good. But today, I wish to share a different perspective. Development that ignores society is flawed. Profit without purpose is meaningless," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister added, sustainability is not limited to the environment- it must uphold human dignity. The fruits of growth must not be confined to corporate boardrooms but should reach girls in government schools, distressed farmers, and vanishing rural artisans.

He emphasised that the government does not view industries as donors, but as partners in development.

The Deputy Chief Minister urged corporate houses to move from one-off grants to long-term development models.