Accusing the successive governments of ignoring welfare and education of Minorities in united Andhra Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali today asserted that the TRS Government, during its short span of ruling, has taken up several welfare measures for inclusive growth.
Addressing the media at Secretariat here, Ali stated the government allotted Rs 140 crore for construction of welfare hostels (one each in 10 districts at a cost of Rs 14 cr) and sanctioned Rs 71.65 crore for the purpose. NAC and Setwin will offer training for skill development at Haj House and provide job opportunities to Muslim Minorities.
He expressed content that Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao released Rs 25 crore towards encouraging the minorities to pursue higher education abroad. As a result, each student may get from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and if necessary banks would give loans. He said KCR sanctioned Rs 25 crore for pre-metric scholarships and Rs 22 crore for post- metric scholarships. Stating that Urdu has been neglected for 57 years, Ali said the TRS Government will make it a second language in schools and colleges besides giving a hike in pre and post matric scholarships. It was decided to settle marriage disputes through a retired judge, who will head a committee at Haj House on June 1.
The Chief Minister has given nod for self-certification by minority girls to claim Shaadi Mubarak funds of Rs 51,000, he said. Of the 13,903 applications under the scheme, the government cleared 9,701 applications and disbursed Rs 2,045 crore so far while the rest are under scrutiny. The TRS Government was making efforts to provide accommodation to 600 Haj pilgrims at Mecca and the GHMC gave fees exemption to Haj center to build a commercial complex, he added. (NSS)