Hyderabad: January 10, Posted at 2:17 PM IST
The Telangana government is set to roll out two new flagship welfare schemes — Pranama and Bala Bharosa — ahead of the Sankranti festival. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will formally inaugurate the initiatives on January 12, according to an official announcement.
The schemes are part of the state’s broader push toward inclusive governance, with a focus on persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and young children. Officials say the programmes are designed to address long-standing gaps in healthcare access, mobility support, and social care for vulnerable sections of society.
Under the Pranama scheme, the government has earmarked ₹50 crore exclusively for the welfare of persons with disabilities. Around 7,000 identified beneficiaries across Telangana will receive assistive devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, battery-operated tricycles, and retrofitted motorised vehicles. In addition, smartphones and laptops will be provided to beneficiaries pursuing education or employment.
The Pranama initiative also includes the establishment of day care centres for senior citizens in every district. Two centres will be set up per district at an estimated cost of ₹12.48 lakh each. These centres will primarily cater to elderly individuals living alone and will offer facilities such as libraries, indoor games, television, internet access, and free nutritious meals.
Officials said the aim of these centres is to reduce isolation among senior citizens while providing a safe and engaging daytime environment that supports both physical and mental well-being.
The second scheme, Bala Bharosa, focuses on early childhood health and development. It targets children below the age of five and seeks to identify mental and physical developmental issues at an early stage. Screening will be conducted through anganwadi centres across the state.
If any developmental concerns are detected, the government will ensure free medical treatment, including surgeries, physiotherapy, and other required interventions. Health officials believe that early diagnosis and timely care can significantly improve long-term outcomes for affected children.
Ruling Congress Party leaders claimed with the launch of Pranama and Bala Bharosa, the Telangana government has reiterated its commitment to preventive healthcare and social welfare. The schemes are expected to benefit thousands of families and further strengthen the state’s welfare framework.
Mohammed Naseer Giyas is a multi-media and bilingual journalist with over 20 years of experience across print, digital, and television media. Founder of Raftaar-e-Deccan, he is an alumnus of IVLP, Thomson Reuters Foundation, and ICFJ, and has worked with leading English and Urdu news organisations.
