Hyderabad: Advisor to the Telangana Government (SC, ST, OBC & Minorities) Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Monday said the Congress government was preparing to introduce a minority protection law to safeguard religious freedom and minority rights in the State.
He made the announcement while addressing official Christmas celebrations at Limra Function Hall in Kamareddy. The programme, meanwhile, formed part of the government’s initiative to hold constituency-level festivities for the Christian community.
According to Shabbir Ali, the proposed minority protection law reflected the Congress government’s commitment to communal harmony and inclusive development. At the same time, he said the government treated all religions with equal respect.
“A new law will soon be brought to protect minority rights. Therefore, no community should feel insecure in Telangana,” he said.
After cutting the ceremonial Christmas cake, Shabbir Ali extended greetings to the Christian community. He also said the life and teachings of Lord Jesus Christ symbolised peace, love, sacrifice and service to humanity.
Minority protection law part of inclusive governance
Highlighting welfare measures, Shabbir Ali said the Congress government had extended more support to Christians than previous regimes. Moreover, he said official Christmas celebrations in every constituency reflected this inclusive approach.
He assured the Christian community in Kamareddy of continued infrastructure and welfare support. If needed, he added, residents could bring their concerns directly to him for prompt resolution.
Earlier in the day, Shabbir Ali distributed ₹50 lakh worth of cheques to 82 beneficiaries from Kamareddy town and mandals. The assistance was provided under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund at the Congress district office.
Addressing beneficiaries, he said helping people during difficult times defined good governance. Accordingly, he urged officials and party leaders to ensure timely assistance reached genuine beneficiaries.
Later, Shabbir Ali inspected development works in Kamareddy town. These included a ₹10 lakh CC road at Janmabhoomi Road in Wards 33 and 34. In addition, he reviewed a ₹20 lakh CC road project in Chota Kasab Galli of Ward 46.
He said the Congress government had begun addressing long-neglected areas through phased development. As a result, the new roads would improve connectivity and reduce rain-related problems.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Shabbir Ali said Kamareddy would be developed as a clean and well-connected town. More projects, he assured, would follow in the coming days.
In a separate programme, newly elected Kancherla village sarpanch Aruna Swamy and Bhiknoor ward member Gajje Venu joined the Congress party. On the occasion, Shabbir Ali welcomed them by draping party stoles.
He said the entry of newly elected representatives would further strengthen the party at the grassroots level. District and mandal leaders, public representatives and party workers attended the programme.