Did Andhra Pradesh Allocate Rs 90 Crores for Imams and Muezzins Honorarium?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Andhra Pradesh government releases Rs 90 crores for imams and muezzins.
- Funds released within 24 hours of announcement.
- Previous government delayed payments, now being addressed.
- Minorities Welfare Minister highlights commitment to minority welfare.
- Chandrababu Naidu's efforts for minority communities acknowledged.
Amaravati, Nov 12 (NationPress) - The TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh has allocated Rs 90 crores to support the monthly honorarium for imams and muezzins.
A day after Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu made the announcement during the Minority Welfare Day program, the government promptly issued the order to release the funds.
Minorities Welfare Minister N. Md Farooq stated that the Chief Minister’s commitment during the Minority Welfare Day event led to the swift release of the honorarium funds within a 24-hour timeframe.
State Finance Secretary V. Vinay Chand formalized these orders on Wednesday.
Minister Farooq added that funds have also been allocated to cover the honorarium for April, May, and June of 2024, a backlog from the prior government led by the YSR Congress Party.
He noted that an earlier release of Rs 45 crore in February this year was made for the honorarium covering July to December 2024, which has already been credited to the respective accounts.
The current Rs 90 crore disbursement will cover nine months from January to September this year, as well as three months that were previously owed by the former administration.
Minister Farooq praised Chandrababu Naidu as a staunch ally for minority groups, asserting that the minority communities in the state will remember his dedication to their welfare.
He accused the previous government of attempting to undermine minority welfare initiatives and reaffirmed the coalition government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the electorate.
Farooq emphasized that the coalition government, under CM Chandrababu, is determined to act decisively to implement its commitments.
He recalled that it was during TDP's administration that the honorarium payments to imams and muezzins were first initiated, which were halted for extended periods under the YSR Congress Party.
The minister expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Naidu for fulfilling his pledge so rapidly by releasing these funds.