Telangana Govt Allocates Rs. 294.61 Crore for Minority Welfare in Q3 of FY 2024-25
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has approved a budget of Rs. 294.61 crore for the Department of Minority Welfare for the third quarter of the 2024-25 fiscal year, aiming to further enhance educational and economic opportunities for minority communities in the state. The allocation, detailed in GO.RT.95, was issued by Special Secretary for Minority Welfare Tafsir Iqbal and includes funding for a range of welfare schemes focused on empowerment, employment, and cultural preservation.
Key Budget Allocations:
- Minority Finance Corporation Initiatives:
- Rs. 7.50 crore allocated for the Training and Employment Scheme, designed to increase employment opportunities for minorities.
- Rs. 30 crore earmarked for the scheme, with Rs. 15 crore already released.
- Subsidy Scheme for Bank Loans:
- A total of Rs. 300 crore has been allocated for the Subsidy Scheme linked to bank loans. Of this, Rs. 150 crore has already been disbursed, with an additional Rs. 75 crore approved for release this quarter. The scheme ensures that 90% of the funds go to the Minorities Finance Corporation, while the remaining 10% is allocated to the Christian Finance Corporation.
- Scholarships for Minority Students:
- Rs. 30 crore has been set aside for scholarships in the current quarter. Of the total Rs. 120 crore scholarship budget, Rs. 60 crore was released in previous quarters, with another Rs. 30 crore scheduled for release in the fourth quarter.
- Fee Reimbursement Scheme:
- An allocation of Rs. 300 crore has been made for the Fee Reimbursement Scheme, with Rs. 150 crore already distributed and an additional Rs. 75 crore set for disbursement this quarter.
- Other Welfare Programs:
- Telangana Urdu Academy: Rs. 3 crore for the Urdu Ghar Shaadikhana scheme, which includes funding for promoting the Urdu language and supporting community centers and vocational training.
- Minority Study Circle: Rs. 1 crore for the Minority Study Circle, with Rs. 2 crore already released out of the total Rs. 4 crore allocation.
- Overseas Scholarship Scheme: Rs. 32.50 crore allocated for the Chief Minister’s Overseas Scholarship Scheme, part of a Rs. 130 crore total budget.
- Dairat Al Maarif Osmania: Rs. 75 lakh allocated for preserving and publishing classic texts.
- Waqf Board: Rs. 30 crore allocated for the honorarium of imams and muezzins, as part of a Rs. 120 crore total budget for the Waqf Board, with Rs. 60 crore previously released.
- Cultural and Religious Support:
- Rs. 75 lakh allocated for the Center for Education Development of Minorities.
- Rs. 82.5 lakh for maintenance and repairs of the Makkah Masjid and Shahi Masjid.
- Rs. 1.65 crore for the upkeep of mosques.
These budgetary allocations demonstrate the Telangana government’s commitment to advancing educational, economic, and cultural development within minority communities. Through these efforts, the state aims to bridge gaps in access to resources and empower minority groups for a better future.
