Caste census within six months of coming to power, Congress promises in minority declaration

HYDERABAD: In a bid to woo the minority population in the State, the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) unveiled a 'Minority Declaration' on Thursday.

Among the key declarations was to conduct a caste-based census within the initial six months of assuming power.

"The objective is to secure equitable reservations for all backward classes, including minorities, in employment, education, and Government welfare programmes," said the declaration.

The party also pledged to increase the budget for minority welfare to Rs 4,000 crore, with a dedicated minorities sub-plan.

"Moreover, an annual allocation of Rs 1,000 crore will be set aside to offer subsidised loans to unemployed minority youth and women," the party declared.

Under the Abdul Kalam Taufa-e-Taleem Scheme, the Congress promised financial aid of Rs 5 lakh to Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and other minority youths upon completing M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes.

Various incentives related to educational achievements, including post-graduation, graduation, Intermediate, and 10th-grade, were also defined in the declaration.

"The creation of the Telangana Sikh Minority Finance Corporation and addressing vacancies in minority institutions are critical components of the Congress's strategy," it said.

The Declaration also highlighted a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000-12,000 for religious leaders of all faiths, including imams, muezzins, khadims, pastors and granthis.

To bolster the institutional framework, the Congress committed to amend 'The Telangana State Minorities Commission Act, 1998,' establishing it as a permanent body, and presenting its annual report in the State legislature for policy changes in minority welfare.

Digitising land and property records of the Waqf Board and reclaiming encroached properties were also declared as part of its agenda.

To address housing challenges, the Congress pledged to provide a house site and Rs 5 lakh for the construction of homes for all homeless minority families under the Indiramma Illu Scheme.

Newly married couples from minority communities would receive Rs 1,60,000 in support, the declaration said.

The minority declaration promised to rejuvenate skill development training through SETWIN and transform the Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority (QQSUDA) for infrastructure development in the Old City.