Plans afoot to expand SCCL on global scale, landmark tribal welfare schemes a hallmark of people’s govt.: Bhatti

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka with Singareni workers after inaugurating the GM’s office in Kothagudem of Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Saturday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Plans are afoot to expand the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) on a global scale in a phenomenal manner, said Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, also Energy and Finance Minister.

Speaking after inaugurating the SCCL General Manager’s office and a workshop in the coal town of Kothagudem, on Saturday, he said, “We have appointed experts to gather the necessary information and make recommendations for this expansion. Once we receive the report, we will initiate the action plan.”

Mr. Vikramarka said, “SCCL, with over a hundred years of experience in coal mining, is being considered for profitable ventures in technical and mineral excavation.”

New mines are ready to extract 22 million tonnes of coal over the next 30 years, he noted, referring to the expansion and diversification plans of SCCL.

Emphasising on the safety and welfare of the workforce, he said, “The primary goal is the safety of Singareni workers – business comes only after that. SCCL is providing ₹1 crore accident insurance cover along with compassionate appointments to SCCL workers.”

Meanwhile, addressing the Telangana Adivasi Congress workers’ meeting in Palvancha, he hit out at the previous BRS government accusing it of failing to utilise the SC/ST Sub-Plan funds.

“In the current Praja government, we are spending every rupee of Sub-Plan funds with precision. Under the Sub-Plan, ₹17,169 crore has been allocated for tribals this fiscal. Additionally, ₹1,296 crore unspent funds from the past have been carried forward,” he said.

In 2006, the then Congress-led Central government issued land titles to tribals cultivating forest lands, he recalled, adding that the current Congress dispensation in Telangana allocated funds for tribals to live with dignity in line with the party’s Nallamala Declaration.

He reminded that during his tenure as Deputy Speaker in united Andhra Pradesh, he ensured that the SC/ST Sub-Plan Act was passed in the Assembly.

He added that the Indira Saura Giri Jala Vikasam scheme envisages irrigation facilities to 6.7 lakh acres of tribal land besides offering free pumpsets and plants like avocado and oil palm. Allocation of ₹1,000 crore for tribals under the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme is a historic first in India, he asserted.

Published - May 31, 2025 09:25 pm IST