Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), March 16 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated on Monday that the TDP-led NDA government remains committed to the welfare and development of Muslims and other minority communities.
Speaking at an Iftar party organized by the state government here, the chief minister noted that Iftar parties were being organized across districts to honor Muslims who were observing strict fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
"The NDA coalition government is committed to the welfare and development of minorities. We are working to ensure that Muslims in Andhra Pradesh move forward economically and politically," Naidu said.
He said that the Quran encourages supporting the underprivileged and highlighted the state government's commitment to ensuring the social, economic, and political advancement of minorities across the state.
Naidu said that several welfare initiatives have been implemented during the 21 months since the NDA coalition government took office, focusing on strengthening minority development and opportunities.
Under the NTR Bharosa pension scheme, benefits are being extended to over 4.3 lakh Muslims across Andhra Pradesh, with an annual expenditure of nearly Rs 3,510 crore.
He noted that 'Thalliki Vandanam' (Rs 15,000 per year per school-going child) benefits are reaching around 4.5 lakh Muslim students, ensuring educational support and assistance to families across various districts.
According to the CM, post-matric scholarships worth Rs 240 crore are being provided to over 19,200 Muslim beneficiaries, while the 'Deepam 2' scheme (three free gas cylinders per year) is reaching 6.2 lakh families from the community.
Furthermore, Naidu said that the government is also providing monetary benefits to Imams and Mouzans.
He added that arrears amounting to Rs 45 crore are being cleared and financial assistance totalling Rs 193 crore is being extended to over 33,200 beneficiaries.
Naidu also noted that Urdu has been declared the second official language in Andhra Pradesh while Haj Houses in Kadapa and Vijayawada will soon become operational.
The CM asserted that the NDA government remains committed to protecting Waqf properties while ensuring welfare and institutional support for Muslim communities across Andhra Pradesh.
Naidu noted that arrangements are being made for 347 Muslims to undertake the Haj pilgrimage this year from the Vijayawada embarkation point with necessary logistical support.
He said that minority welfare allocation has increased from Rs 5,434 crore in the previous budget to Rs 6,090 crore in the current budget.
Naidu noted that the Noor Basha Federation has been converted into the Dudekula Muslim Finance Corporation with an allocation of Rs 100 crore.