Pendency of schemes for minorities’ welfare reviewed

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka convened a meeting with legislators and officials on Friday to discuss the status of several welfare schemes of the Minorities Welfare Department.

The meeting saw Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi interacting with the Deputy Chief Minister, who, according to Mr. Azharuddin’s office, respomded positively.

The non-receipt of pre-matric scholarships by minority students and a proposal to introduce a State-funded scholarship scheme were discussed. The long standing issue of pending dues of the Reimbursement of Tuition Fee (RTF) and Maintenance Fee (MTF) schemes, prioritisation of pending applications, and the status of the Chief Minister’s Overseas Scholarship scheme, were also reviewed.

The meeting also took up delays in the verification and clearance of pending applications under the Shaadi Mubarak scheme. The proposal to reappropriate surplus funds under Shaadi Mubarak for the RTF and MTF schemes was discussed, along with concerns over the reduction in the RTF budget allocation for the current financial year.

Also discussed were pending developmental works in Old City. Sources said that the Deputy Chief Minister assured that a detailed inspection of pending works in Old City will be conducted soon. He also said the foundation stone for the new Haj House will be laid shortly and assured reforms to improve the functioning of the Minority Welfare Department.