Govt provides free higher education to Muslim students

Hyderabad, Aug 8 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Minority Welfare Minister Mohd Ali Shabbir today said the state government has allocated Rs 140 crore to pay the fees of Muslim students, who were given admission in Engineering, Medical, MBA and MCA courses during this year.

Participating in the inauguration of an 'International Islamic Book Fair 2008' here, he said the free higher education was being provided to all poor Muslim students in the state from this academic year. At least 16 courses were brought under the new scheme.

Stating that Andhra Pradesh would occupy number one position in the country in enrolment of more than 20,000 Muslim students in engineering courses by utilising four per cent reservation, he said the drop outs in Muslim community at primary education level was higher than other communities.

Mr Shabbir said the government was also implementing Sachar Committee recommendations for the welfare of poor Muslims.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board Vice President Moulana Mohammed Siraj-Ul-Hassan inaugurated the book fair.

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