Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday admitted that the budget allocated for the welfare of minorities was not fully utilised.
Replying to a short discussion on welfare in Telangana State Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said he was pained to learn that the budget for minorities’ welfare was not properly utilised. However, he blamed the shortage of staff for the same. He also informed that a committee, headed by Additional DGP A.K. Khan has been constituted to ascertain reasons for non-spending. He said appropriate action would be taken after receipt of committee’s report.
KCR claimed that his government was far better than previous governments in taking steps for the welfare of minorities. However, he admitted that the pace of implementation of welfare schemes was not as expected. He announced that residential schools for minorities would be established on the lines of SC Residential Society. Initially, he said 25 or 50 schools would be set up. He also assured to launch skill development programmes for the minorities. Further, he said land would be provided for graveyards for Muslims, Christians and Hindus.
The Chief Minister also promised to fill vacancies in the Minorities Welfare Department. He said it was unfortunate that 60 retired people were working in State Wakf Board. He said he would give sanction to posts required in the minorities’ welfare department. During the meetings of State Level Bankers Committee, besides crop loan, schemes for ST, ST, BC and minorities would also be discussed.
Responding to the demand of MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi for a resolution in the House for 12% Muslim reservation, KCR said that the State Government has constituted a committee chaired by retired IAS G. Sudhir. He said that the committee was gathering data related to Muslims and on receipt of its report further action would be taken. He assured that justice would be done to all communities in Telangana State and Muslims would get their due share. (INN)