Hyderabad: Telangana Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Thursday said Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia cheques for the Madina bus accident victims would be distributed soon after the model code of conduct restrictions are lifted.
He clarified that the financial assistance had already been sanctioned. However, the election code guidelines delayed the distribution. He stated that the cheques were ready and would be handed over within days once the restrictions are cleared.
A delegation of Congress leaders met Shabbir Ali at the Telangana Secretariat. The group included Osman Mohammed Khan, SK Afzaluddin, Shaik Arshad, Mateen Shareef and Mujeebullah Shareef. Family members of the Madina bus accident victims also accompanied them and submitted a representation regarding the delay.
Responding to their concerns, Shabbir Ali said the delay was procedural and not due to administrative lapses. He assured the families that the government remained committed to providing relief.
Relief measures for Madina bus accident victims detailed
The victims had travelled for a pilgrimage to Madina when the accident occurred. Following the incident, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy directed officials to extend full support to the affected families.
The State government coordinated with Saudi authorities for DNA identification and burial arrangements at Jannat al-Baqi, in line with the families’ wishes. Minister Md Azharuddin and senior officials were part of the delegation that assisted in completing the identification and burial process.
Shabbir Ali reiterated that the government would ensure timely relief to the bereaved families once the model code restrictions end.