The T-government is contemplating to add Khammam also in the list of districts where Urdu is declared as second official language.
At present, in nine districts of the State, Urdu enjoys the second official language status.
Deputy CM Mohammed Mehmood Ali looked keen on this matter and at his instance; a proposal has been moved by the Minorities Welfare Department. A decision is likely to be taken when Mr. Ali returns from Saudi Arabia where he has gone to perform Haj.
Urdu was given the second official language status in 15 districts, under the united Andhra Pradesh. They include the six districts of Anantapur, Kadapa, Chittoor, Guntur, Nellore and Kurnool in A.P and nine districts of Telangana except Khammam.
After the TRS regime came to power, there is a demand from many quarters to make Urdu official language in Khammam district also.
It is interesting to know that there is poor implementation of the GO in the nine districts of Telangana. Authorities are said to accept applications given in Urdu, but this is almost not the case. Except in the district Collectorates of Hyderabad and Nizamabad applications given in Urdu are not entertained elsewhere.
Besides Urdu signboards on RTC buses and government offices are conspicuous by their absence.
“The government ought to first ensure strict implementation of the GO and see that Urdu is given its due place,” says Urdu Academy director Prof. S.A. Shukoor.