TDP's stir on Muslim reservation "politically-motivated"

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

Hyderabad, May 10 (UNI) Describing as ''politically-motivated'' the stir by the TDP against alleged ''failure'' of the Rajasekhara Reddy Government to fulfil its promise of providing five per cent reservation for Minorities, Andhra Pradesh Minorities Welfare Minister Md Fareeduddin today denied reports that there would be no more loans for Muslim students, widows and youth.

''Who prevented the TDP from providing reservation for Muslims in its long rule?'' he asked at a press conference here, charging that ''the TDP, which had hobnobbed with the communal BJP, did nothing for Muslims' welfare''.

Denying that the Government had not taken proper legal steps, he said the Supreme Court had made it clear that quantum of reservation could exceed 50 per cent under special circumstances and the High Court had observed subjectly that sufficient material had not been gathered for assessing the backwardness of the community, On Minorities welfare schemes, he said the Government promulgated GO No: 133 only for a review of certain schemes following complaints and for effective implementation of the schemes. No orders had been issued to withdraw schemes being implemented through the State Minorities Finance Corporation or the Urdu Academy or any other implementing agency, he clarified.

''In fact, the Government has increased the budget for Urdu Academy by almost Rs two crore'', he said adding that allocation for Minorities welfare had been stepped up from Rs 46 crore to Rs 69 crore this year. Funds earmarked for students scholarships had increased to Rs 33.65 crore from Rs 10 crore the previous year.

Money allocated had spilled over for certain schemes like that for holding health camps, preparing schemes for developing Wakf at institutions, assistance to Muslim divorced women, awareness programmes on Minorities welfare schemes and grant-in-aid to institutions working for cultural development, he said.

Money was not allocated to the A.P. Open Urdu Schools as after review, it was felt that effectiveness of the scheme should be first verified, he added.

UNI SM AA PK GC1511

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