AP to develop Wakf lands under 'public-private' partnership

Hyderabad, July 2 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Minority Welfare Minister Mohd Ali Shabbir today said the state government is planning to introduce a new scheme to develop wakf lands under public-private partnership.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Shabbir said the government has decided to develop the wakf lands worth crores of rupees with the involvment of the private agencies. It would help to generate revenues and develop property, he said.

Stating that the government would convene a meeting with religious heads and peoples' representatives to evolve a consensus on the issue, he said. A proposal had already been sent to Parliamentary standing Committee in this regard.

The Government has provided an amount of Rs eight crore to strengthen the residential schools for minority children, he said, adding that 12 pre-matric hostels at the cost of Rs 2.55 crore and 14 post-matric hostels, allocating Rs 2.02 core, would be established during this year in the districts.

The minister said Rs 34.50 crore has been allocated for the reimbursement of fees to minority students, who were pursuing higher education this year.

UNI