Admitting that over 60% of budget allocated for welfare of minorities welfare could not be spent during 2015-16, Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali assured that efforts would be made to ensure full spending in the financial year 2016-17.
Replying to a short discussion in Telangana State Legislative Council on Sunday, the Deputy CM informed that of Rs. 1130 crore allocated for Minorities’ Welfare, only Rs. 610 crore were released and only Rs. 410 crore were spent. He said the amount could not be spent due to shortage of staff in the Minorities Welfare Department. However, he said steps were being taken to prevent recurrence of such a situation this year. He said Rs. 1204 crore have been allocated for 2016-17 and spending of entire amount would be assured.
The Deputy CM informed that financial assistance of Rs. 51,000 each was provided to 33,987 poor girls belonging to minorities’ communities under Shaadi Mubarak scheme. He also assured that the State Government would take all measures to protect the Wakf properties in the State. (INN)