Hyderabad: Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has slammed the TRS Government for not releasing more than 50% of funds allocated for Minorities Welfare in budget 2015-16.
Uttam Kumar Reddy alleged that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s review meeting on Sunday on minorities’ issues was aimed at diverting people’s attention from the fact that more than 50% of funds meant for minorities’ welfare have not been released so far. This is the second consecutive year when minorities have been deprived of funds of more than 50% funds. As against Rs. 1030 crore allocated in 2014-15, only Rs. 438.27 Cr (42.52%) were released. Similarly, of Rs. 1100 Cr allocated in 201-16, not even 50% of funds have been released so far, he said.
“KCR has conveniently allowed more than Rs. 1,000 Cr meant for minorities’ welfare to lapse during the last two years. He is now trying to divert attention from his sweet talk and a bunch of new promises. Sunday’s review meeting, in the presence of MIM leaders, was aimed at silencing the community. Additional funds of Rs. 5.4 Cr for Jamia Nizamia and Rs. 10 crore for Darul Uloom, Rs. 1.75 crore for repair of Mecca Masjid and other minor expenditures are meant to hush up the fact of non-release of more than Rs. 1,000 Cr for minorities’ welfare,” said Uttam Kumar Reddy.
The TPCC Chief said instead of ensuring timely release of allocated funds, the TRS Government was keeping the community distracted by gimmicks like distribution of Ramzan sops or hosting a dinner. “Instead of providing one time food or clothes, the State Government should focus on empowering the Muslim community so that they could earn their livelihood with honour and dignity. It appears that KCR enjoys the scene of poor Muslims standing in long queues to collect Ramzan sops or to submit applications for 2BHK housing, subsidised loans or other benefits. He is directly insulting the entire community just to please his ego,” he said.
He said KCR, in connivance with the MIM, has ignored the promise of providing 12% Muslim reservation. He has also maintained stoic silence over Alair encounter wherein five Muslim under trials were killed by the police in broad daylight. There is no progress in the SIT probe even after 10 months, he said.
Uttam Kumar Reddy demanded a White Paper on release of funds for minorities’ welfare during the last two years. He also asked KCR to give an assurance in writing that funds meant for Minorities Welfare would not be allowed to lapse. He said that the Congress party would demand Minorities Sub-Plan in the next budget session to ensure full utilisation of allocated funds for minorities’ welfare. (INN)