Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee Unveils Bold Agenda for Minority Upliftment
Hyderabad November 09:
In a strategic move, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee has laid out a comprehensive plan for the financial upliftment and empowerment of minorities. Key highlights include a commitment to conduct a caste census within six months, ensuring fair reservations in jobs, education, and government welfare schemes for all backward classes, including minorities.
The committee proposes an increase in the minorities’ welfare budget to Rs. 4,000 crore, accompanied by a dedicated minorities sub-plan. To address unemployment, a substantial Rs. 1,000 crore per annum is earmarked for subsidized loans targeted at jobless minority youth and women.
In a bid to promote education and employment equity, the Abdul Kalam Taufa-e-Taleem Scheme is introduced, offering financial assistance to minority youth pursuing higher education. This includes Rs. 5 lakh for M.Phil. and Ph.D. graduates, with varying amounts for post-graduation, graduation, intermediate, and 10th-grade completions.
Furthermore, the committee emphasizes the protection of religious rights and culture, proposing a monthly honorarium of Rs. 10,000-12,000 for priests of all religions, including Imams, Muezzins, Khadims, Pastors, and Granthis. Amendments to ‘The Telangana State Minorities Commission Act, 1998’ are suggested to establish it as a permanent body, ensuring regular reporting to the state legislature.
Addressing infrastructure and welfare, the committee pledges to provide house sites and Rs. 5 lakh for construction to all homeless minority families under the Indiramma Indlu Scheme. Additionally, financial support of Rs. 1,60,000 is proposed for newly married couples from Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and other minority communities.
The agenda also includes plans for the digitization of land and property records of the Wagf Board, reclaiming and re-registering encroached properties. Special attention is given to protecting and allocating land for Muslim and Christian graveyards.
Lastly, the committee envisions promoting inclusivity and growth through the revitalization of SETWIN and skill development training. The transformation of Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) is proposed to boost infrastructure development in the Old City.
This ambitious agenda, unveiled by the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, aims to address various facets of minority welfare and represents a significant step towards fostering an inclusive and empowered society.
