Hyderabad : In a strategic move gearing up for the forthcoming Assembly elections in Telangana, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) revealed its ambitious plan, titled the ‘Minority Declaration.’ This comprehensive initiative aims to uplift and empower minority communities across the state, with a firm commitment to implementing these measures if the party attains power.
Financial Upliftment and Empowerment
As part of the Minority Declaration, the Congress party has pledged to conduct a caste census within the first six months of assuming power. The objective is to ensure equitable reservation for all backward classes, including minorities, in jobs, education, and government welfare schemes.
The party has also committed to increasing the minorities’ welfare budget to Rs. 4,000 crore, establishing a dedicated minorities sub-plan. Additionally, an annual allocation of Rs. 1,000 crore will be made to provide subsidized loans for unemployed minority youth and women.
Commitment to Education and Employment Equity
Under the Abdul Kalam Taufa-e-Taleem Scheme, the Congress promises financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and other minority youth upon completing M.Phil. and Ph.D. Various incentives for educational achievements, including post-graduation, graduation, Intermediate, and 10th grade, are also outlined.
The establishment of the Telangana Sikh Minority Finance Corporation and addressing vacancies in minority institutions are key components of the Congress’s plan.
Protection of Religious Rights and Culture
The Minority Declaration emphasizes a monthly honorarium ranging from Rs. 10,000-12,000 for priests of all religions, including Imams, Muezzins, Khadims, Pastors, and Granthis. To bolster the institutional framework, the Congress commits to amending ‘The Telangana State Minorities Commission Act, 1998,’ transforming it into a permanent body and presenting its annual report in the state legislative assembly for policy changes in minorities’ welfare.
Digitization of land and property records of the Waqf Board and reclamation of encroached properties are also on the agenda.
Infrastructure and Welfare
In a bid to address housing issues, the Congress promises to provide a house site and Rs. 5 lakh for the construction of houses for all homeless minority families under the Indiramma Indlu Scheme. Newlywed couples from minority communities will receive Rs. 1,60,000 in support.
Promotion of Inclusivity and Growth
The Minority Declaration underscores the Congress’s commitment to revitalizing skill development training through SETWIN and transforming the Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) to develop infrastructure in the Old City.
As the Assembly polls in Telangana approach on November 30, with counting results on December 3, the Minority Declaration stands as the Congress party’s vision for a more inclusive and empowered Telangana, pending the outcome of the elections.
The declaration was released by Revanth Reddy , M.P., President of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, in the presence of Salman Khurshid, Former Union Minister & Member CWC; Nasir Hussain, M.P., Member, CWC; Imran Pratapgarhi, M.P.; Mohd. Ali Shabbir, Former Minister; Mohammed Azharuddin, Zameer Ahmed Khan, Minister, Govt. of Karnataka, “Zafar Javeed, Senior Vice-President of TPCC and Convenor of the Draft Committee, assumed the convener role.”
