Hyderabad, October 25: The Andhra Pradesh government is committed to the welfare of minorities and it has introduced several schemes for their welfare, Chief Minister K Rosaiah said here today.
The State government has increased the budget for minority welfare from Rs 175 crore in 2008-09 to Rs 222 crore in 2009-10, he said at a function where he flagged off the buses carrying third batch of Haj pilgrims to the airport.
The number of devotees going on Haj pilgrimage from the state this year is 6,530.
Wishing the devotees a safe and happy pilgrimage, he expressed confidence that their holy visit would be auspicious to them as well as to the state.
Minority Welfare Minister Mohd Ahmedulla said the Saudi government has made good arrangements for the convenience of the pilgrims.
—Agencies