CM Chandrababu says NDA government committed to minority welfare

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is strongly committed to the welfare and development of minorities in Andhra Pradesh. He said the government is taking every possible step to ensure economic empowerment, skill development, and employment opportunities for minority youth.

Speaking at the Minority Welfare Day celebrations held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada, organized to mark the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to Azad’s portrait and lauded his contributions to the nation.

Chandrababu described Maulana Azad as a symbol of patriotism and education, calling him the architect of India’s knowledge economy. “As the country’s first Education Minister, Azad laid the foundation for several educational institutions, including India’s first IIT in 1951,” Chandrababu said, adding that his government is inspired by Azad’s vision to bring reforms in the education sector.

Recalling initiatives taken during the earlier TDP regime, Chandrababu said his government established the Urdu University in the undivided Andhra Pradesh, which was later set up in Kurnool after bifurcation. “The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government also founded the Minority Finance Corporation and Urdu Academy,” he said. He highlighted that the previous TDP government built the Hajj House in Hyderabad and arranged direct flights to Mecca for Hajj pilgrims.

The Chief Minister announced that ₹5,434 crore has been allocated for minority welfare in the 2025-26 state budget. As part of the Super Six promises made during the elections, schemes benefiting minorities are being implemented, including NTR Bharosa pensions and scholarships for minority students. Additionally, 175 Urdu teachers have been appointed through the District Selection Committee (DSC) recruitment process.

Under the PM Vikas Scheme, training programs worth ₹11 crore have been launched for 1,500 minority youth to enhance their employability. Imams and Mouzans will receive honorariums of ₹10,000 and ₹5,000 per month respectively, and each Hajj pilgrim will be provided financial aid of ₹1 lakh.

To support religious infrastructure, Naidu announced ₹200 crore for the construction and renovation of mosques, churches, community halls, and Shadikhanas that were left incomplete under the previous government. Another ₹100 crore will be spent on the Noor Basha Corporation. He also assured the protection of Waqf properties and promised to appoint eligible Imams as government Khazis.

The Chief Minister further announced a grant of ₹1.75 crore for the Muslim religious congregation Istemaa to be held in Nandyal district.

During the event, several individuals were honored for their contributions to the Urdu language and minority education. Awards included the Maulana Azad National Award (₹2.5 lakh), the Abdul Haq Award (₹1.25 lakh), and Rising Sports Person Awards of ₹1 lakh each for four sportspersons. Eight individuals received Lifetime Achievement Awards (₹25,000 each), while 71 teachers and 58 students were recognized for excellence with cash prizes.

Minority Welfare Minister N.M.D. Farooq, several MLAs, and chairpersons of various minority corporations attended the ceremony.