AP Govt committed to reservation for Muslims: CM

Hyderabad, Feb 15 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said he would ensure reservation for Muslims in government jobs and education at institutions before the coming academic year.

Replying to clarifications sought by All India Majlis-E-Itihadul Muslimeen during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor for his address, he said he had constituted an administrative team of legal experts to overcome the legal hurdles.

The Congress Government was fully committed to implement the Sachhar Committee report for improving the status of minorities in the state, he added.

He said the government would increase the quantum of scholarships to Muslim students on par with the Backward Classes. The government, which had gradually increased allocation for minorities welfare from just Rs four crore when his party assumed office, to Rs 31 crore last year, planned to increase the budget subtantially this year he added.

Mr Reddy assured the AIMIM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi that he would direct the Chief Commissioner for land acqusition to look into alleged occupation of wakf land by some government bodies.

After the House adopted the motion by voice vote, Speaker K R Suresh Reddy adjourned the house to meet again on Monday.

UNI