Hyderabad: The Telangana government has reiterated that it is fully committed to continuing the Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak welfare schemes, which provide financial assistance to economically disadvantaged families during the marriage of their daughters.
Responding to criticism and protests by the BRS, the government said that the opposition was shedding “crocodile tears” over an issue concerning welfare schemes that the present Congress government has continued despite inheriting several administrative and legal complications.
Government Releases Funds Through Green Channel
The government stated that after assuming office, it took steps to ensure that funds under Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak were released through a green channel mechanism so that eligible beneficiaries would not face unnecessary delays.
According to the government, difficulties relating to the release of funds had existed earlier, and the present administration established mechanisms to ensure timely disbursement to beneficiaries.
The government also clarified that it has no intention of discontinuing the schemes, which were originally introduced by the previous government in 2014.
High Court Interim Stay in W.P. No. 21732/2026
The government referred to W.P. No. 21732/2026, in which the Telangana High Court passed an interim order on August 12, 2026, staying the implementation of the schemes until September 9, 2026, according to the government’s statement.
The government said it respects the orders of the judiciary and is taking all legally available steps to protect the interests of poor families.
Officials further stated that an appeal is being pursued before the Division Bench, with the government expressing hope for a favourable outcome.
The government emphasized that the interim order does not amount to permanently abolishing the schemes. It said the administration is proceeding through legal channels to have the interim order addressed and to ensure that eligible poor families do not suffer.
Government Says Earlier Government Orders Led to Legal Complications
The government argued that the present legal complications arose from the Government Orders issued when the scheme was introduced in 2014.
According to the statement, if appropriate and legally comprehensive orders had been issued at that time, the present situation could possibly have been avoided.
The government said it is examining whether the delay or shortcomings in filing the counter affidavit resulted from an administrative lapse or from deficiencies in the legal handling of the matter.
An inquiry is reportedly being undertaken to determine responsibility, and action will be taken against those found accountable.
₹16,375.87 Crore Spent, Over 16.78 Lakh Beneficiaries
According to figures cited by the government, Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak have provided substantial financial assistance to families belonging to different social groups since their introduction.
The figures presented by the government are:
- SC Welfare: ₹2,734.81 crore benefiting 2,73,164 beneficiaries
- ST Welfare: ₹1,801.48 crore benefiting 1,79,939 beneficiaries
- BC Welfare: ₹7,803.05 crore benefiting 7,79,401 beneficiaries
- EBC Welfare: ₹831.70 crore benefiting 83,074 beneficiaries
- Minority Welfare: ₹3,204.83 crore benefiting 3,62,769 beneficiaries
Total expenditure: ₹16,375.87 crore
Total beneficiaries: 16,78,347
The government said these figures demonstrate the significant role played by the schemes in supporting economically weaker families.
Government Explains Constitutional and Legal Basis
The government maintained that Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak are executive welfare schemes, rather than legislation enacted through a separate statute.
It argued that the State Government has executive powers under Article 162 of the Constitution to formulate and implement welfare schemes within its sphere of authority through executive orders.
The government also referred to the Supreme Court's judgment in Rai Sahib Ram Jawaya Kapur v. State of Punjab as an important legal basis concerning the executive powers of governments.
According to the government's position, the schemes should not be treated as delegated legislation or as an exercise of an “essential legislative function.” Instead, they are welfare programmes implemented through executive authority and supported by budgetary allocations approved by the State Legislature.
Government Says Financial Controls and Eligibility Rules Exist
The government rejected allegations that public money was being distributed without adequate controls.
It stated that expenditure under the schemes is subject to the State Budget, Treasury Rules, Financial Code and other applicable financial regulations.
The schemes also prescribe eligibility conditions relating to income, age, Aadhaar, marriage and other requirements.
The government said that the bride must have completed 18 years of age at the time of marriage and that beneficiary eligibility is verified through the appropriate administrative machinery, including authorities at the RDO and MRO levels.
It therefore argued that the schemes have established mechanisms to verify beneficiaries and regulate the use of public funds.
CAG Observations Under Government Consideration
The government also referred to observations and recommendations contained in CAG reports, stating that these are under examination.
It clarified that observations or recommendations made in an audit report should not automatically be interpreted as a final judicial determination that the welfare schemes are illegal.
The government said that all relevant issues are being examined in accordance with the applicable legal and administrative framework.
Welfare Assistance for Poor Families
The government stressed that marriage can represent a major social and financial responsibility for economically weaker families.
Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak were designed to provide financial assistance to eligible families and reduce the economic burden associated with the marriage of daughters.
The government said that such assistance can help prevent poor families from falling into debt or being forced to sell assets to meet marriage-related expenses.
It further argued that the schemes are consistent with the broader constitutional objective of promoting social justice and protecting the interests of weaker sections.
The government also referred to Article 46 of the Constitution, which directs the State to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections.
Congress Government Says It Will Continue the Schemes
The government reiterated that although Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak were introduced by the previous government, the Congress administration has continued them without political discrimination because they benefit poor families.
Officials said the government has no policy of discontinuing a welfare programme merely because it was introduced by a previous administration.
Instead, the government claimed that it is working to correct administrative and legal deficiencies inherited from the past and strengthen the implementation mechanism.
Government Responds to BRS Protests
Reacting to BRS protests, the government questioned the opposition's criticism and said that political parties should focus on the welfare of beneficiaries rather than politicising the court proceedings.
The government challenged the previous administration to discuss its record concerning housing, employment and welfare measures for SC, ST, BC and minority communities.
It also questioned protests surrounding the BC caste census and argued that political differences should not be allowed to interfere with welfare measures intended for disadvantaged sections.
The government said that if there had been any intention to discontinue Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak, it would not have continued the schemes or taken steps to release funds through the green channel.
Government Moving Legally to Protect Beneficiaries
The government stated that the High Court's interim order was issued on August 12 and that there was an opportunity to wait until September 9. However, considering the potential impact on poor families, the administration decided to pursue legal remedies without delay.
The government said it has already submitted a comprehensive counter affidavit explaining the legality, constitutional basis and public interest associated with the schemes.
It is now pursuing an appeal before the Division Bench and exploring every legally available option to protect beneficiaries.
Inquiry Into Administrative Lapses
The government has also announced an inquiry into whether there was any administrative or legal lapse in handling the case.
Officials are examining whether the issue resulted from shortcomings among departments dealing with SC, ST, BC and Minority Welfare, or from officials responsible for handling the government's legal matters.
The government said that responsibility will be fixed after the inquiry and appropriate action will be taken against anyone found responsible.
Government Says Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak Will Continue
The Telangana government once again emphasized that it has no intention of abandoning Kalyana Lakshmi or Shaadi Mubarak.
The administration said the schemes are important welfare measures for economically weaker families and that it will continue its efforts through legal, administrative and financial mechanisms to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive support.
The government also criticized political leaders protesting on the streets, saying that the present legal complications are connected to the framework and Government Orders issued when the schemes were originally introduced.
Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud Jayanti Programme
The government also announced that a programme marking the 376th birth anniversary of Bahujan leader Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud will be held at Tank Bund.
According to the announcement, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will unveil the statue of Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud at Tank Bund. The Deputy Chief Minister, TPCC leadership, Ministers, MLAs, MLCs, MPs, public representatives, leaders of weaker sections and representatives of various caste associations are expected to participate.
The government also recalled that a statue commemorating social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule was recently unveiled near Tank Bund.
Conclusion
The Telangana government's latest position is that Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak remain important welfare programmes for poor and economically vulnerable families. While the High Court's interim order has created a legal challenge, the government says it is respecting the judiciary while simultaneously pursuing an appeal and other legal remedies.
The administration has also promised to examine past administrative and legal shortcomings and take corrective action wherever necessary. Its stated objective is to ensure that eligible poor families continue to receive the intended benefits of these welfare schemes without unnecessary delay.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the statements, figures and legal positions provided by the Telangana government in the material supplied for this report. The legal issues and court proceedings remain subject to judicial determination. #oursociety #oursocietynational #oursocietymeadiagroup.jfif)
.jpeg)
.png)
.png)
0 Comments