Bhatti Vikramarka reviews minority welfare projects, announces Urdu Academy golden jubilee events
Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said the Telangana government remained fully committed to the social, economic and educational advancement of minorities and was accelerating development programmes with substantial budgetary support.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on Minority welfare projects at the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, Bhatti Vikramarka reviewed the progress of welfare initiatives and infrastructure works related to minority communities. Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin, chairpersons of minority corporations and senior officials attended the meeting.
Minority welfare projects include Urdu Academy celebrations
Bhatti Vikramarka announced that the government would organise large-scale Mushaira events across Hyderabad and all district headquarters as part of the Urdu Academy Golden Jubilee celebrations.
He directed officials to make suitable arrangements for the main programme at LB Stadium in Hyderabad. The events will showcase Urdu language, literature and culture across the state. The Deputy Chief Minister said the celebrations would highlight Telangana’s commitment to preserving and promoting linguistic and cultural heritage.
Minority welfare projects focus on education and employment
Bhatti Vikramarka said Telangana was developing minority residential schools with modern facilities across the state.
Officials informed the meeting that construction of 20 residential schools had been completed and the institutions were ready for inauguration. Another 17 schools remained under construction.
The Deputy Chief Minister instructed officials to closely monitor the pending works. Furthermore, he directed them to prepare a time-bound action plan and complete the remaining school buildings without delay.
He also said the government would extend large-scale financial assistance to minority youth through the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam scheme. Therefore, he asked officials to prepare a detailed implementation strategy.
In addition, Bhatti Vikramarka announced that the government would allocate ₹50 crore for the welfare of Christian minorities. The funds will support self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth from the community.
Minority welfare projects include protection of Waqf lands
The Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to take legal measures to safeguard valuable Waqf and other minority institution lands from encroachments.
He also instructed authorities to prioritise the construction of compound walls around minority burial grounds. Moreover, he said district collectors would receive directions to identify and allocate land for new burial grounds in districts and divisions with significant Muslim populations.
Bhatti Vikramarka called for a comprehensive action plan to strengthen infrastructure related to minority welfare institutions and community facilities.
During the meeting, Minister Mohammed Azharuddin invited the Deputy Chief Minister to attend a special programme on the ninth day of Muharram celebrations in Hyderabad. Bhatti Vikramarka responded positively and assured his participation.
Senior officials, including Finance Principal Secretary Sandeep Kumar Sultania, Planning Principal Secretary Gaurav Uppal, Finance Secretary Sikta Patnaik, Waqf Board Chairman Azmatullah, Minority Finance Corporation Chairman Obedullah Kotwal, Minority Residential Educational Society Vice Chairman and President Faheem Qureshi, Urdu Academy Chairman Taher Bin Hamdan, Christian Finance Corporation Chairman Deepak John and Minority Welfare Secretary Shafiullah, attended the review meeting.