3,446 cr spent for welfare of Muslims: Somireddy

Kadapa: Agriculture minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy said that the state government had spent Rs 3,446 crore for the development and welfare and Rs 140 crore for Noor Basha community under Noor Basha Federation in the last four-and-a-half years. 

Addressing a programme organised on the occasion of National Education Day and Minority Welfare Day marking the birth anniversary of independent India’s first education minister Moulana Abul Kalam Azad at Urdu Municipal High School here on Sunday, the district in-charge minister  said unprecedented appointment of three senior Muslim leader, NMD Farooq as minister, Sk Sharif as Legislative Council chairman and Chand Basha as government whip, shows the commitment of the TDP government towards the development of minorities.

He said the state government had reimbursed Rs 18 crore fees to Fathima Medical College students in Kadapa by accommodating them in other private colleges on humanitarian grounds in the interest of protecting their future. Responding to the plea of the locals over setting up of Unani Regional Centre (URC), Chandrasekhar Reddy assured that he would bring the issue to the notice of Chief Minister N Chandrababau Naidu and strive it is materialised. 

Marketing minister  C Adinarayana Reddy, in his address, said Chandrababu Naidu was committed to improve the living standards of Muslims in different ways. He said that AP is the only state in the country which is paying salary to 8,660 Imams and Mozzams Rs 5,000 and Rs 3,000 respectively.

“The state government has sanctioned Rs 25 crore for Hajj pilgrimage for Kadapa district alone. The Chief Minister has also increased salaries of priests working in Pedda Darga immediately after I took the issue to his notice,” he said. 

Rajya Sabha member C M Ramesh said in view of most of Muslims facing health issues, the Chief Minister had entrusted portfolio of health to NMD Farooq. 

MLC B Tech Ravi  Urdu Academy chairman Naymon, minority welfare secretary K Ramgopal, district collector Ch Harikiran and others were present. The ministers and the Rajya Sabha member laid foundations stones and inaugurated many developmental works in the district.