Hyderabad: Amid the criticism from various quarters over omission of minorities from two key Government Orders (GOs) issued recently, advisor to Telangana government Mohammed Ali Shabbir has clarified that minorities will be covered under both caste survey and Indiramma housing schemes.
Reiterating the Congress government’s commitment to the welfare of minorities and marginalised communities in the State, he said some people were indulging in false propaganda.
He alleged that opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) was trying to mislead minorities on the two GOs. He claimed that Muslims will be covered under the caste survey.
Shabbir said since 85 percent Muslims come under BC-E category, the household survey will cover them.
The government on October 10, 2024, issued an order for a comprehensive household survey for collecting socio-economic, educational, employment, political, and caste data across the state.
The government also issued an order for financial assistance for the construction of houses under the Indiramma Indlu Housing Scheme.
For implementation of this scheme, Indiramma Committees will be constituted at the gram panchayat and municipal ward levels.
Shabbir claimed that minorities, especially Muslims under the BC-E category, are integral to the scheme’s implementation.
The former minister stated that the Congress government is working to undo the damage caused by the previous BRS regime. He alleged that BRS neglected the needs of minorities during its decade-long rule and was now engaging in false propaganda. He slammed the BRS for its failure to deliver on promises, particularly the 12% reservation for Muslims.
He claimed that under Congress, significant strides have been made in minority representation, with key appointments including a Muslim Additional Advocate General, Government Pleaders, and Dr. Amirullah Khan’s appointment as member of the Telangana State Public Service Commission (TSPSC).
Shabbir highlighted the Congress government’s efforts to expand opportunities for minorities. Two pharmacy colleges and a minority law college were sanctioned, while 2,200 engineering seats were added to minority colleges. Additionally, 720 out of 10,006 teachers’ appointments were granted to minority candidates. He underscored Congress’ commitment to ensuring that minority students have better access to quality education, with 31 students from the Telangana Minority Residential Educational Institutions Society (TMREIS) admitted to MBBS courses.
