Mumbai — The Maharashtra government is facing criticism over alleged unfulfilled promises regarding the Urdu Academy’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and staff expansion. Despite earlier assurances, only one staff appointment has been made so far, and the funds allocated fall drastically short of expectations, reported the Inquilab.
While ₹5–10 crore was promised for the Golden Jubilee programs, only ₹1.2 crore has been sanctioned. Similarly, against the demand of ₹2 crore for office expenses, the academy has been granted merely ₹11 lakh.
Professor Saeed Khan, President of the Dotanki Khetwadi Nagarik Parishad, raised the issue on social media, tagging Minister for Minority Affairs Manikrao Kokate and reminding him of the commitments. Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh also wrote to Kokate and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, demanding that promises be honored and the Urdu Academy be strengthened.
Shaikh pointed out that during previous meetings with former Minority Affairs Minister Dattatraya “Mama” Bharne, several assurances were made, including not shifting the Academy’s office from Old Custom House. “None of those promises have been kept. This is not just negligence but also injustice and discrimination against the Urdu language and community,” Shaikh said.
He further demanded that ₹50 crore be allocated to the Academy, with year-long programs to mark the Golden Jubilee. “The current allocation of ₹1.2 crore for the jubilee and ₹11 lakh for office expenses is negligible, like a drop in the ocean,” he added.
