CM greets Muslims on Milad-un-Nabi

Hyderabad, Jan 12 : Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Monday extended greetings to the Muslim brethren on the eve of Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Mohammad.

In a message, the Chief Minister said, “On the auspicious occasion of Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), I extend my greetings and best wishes to the people of Andhra Pradesh, particularly the Muslim brethren. May the message of universal peace, compassion, tolerance and service to humanity preached by the Holy Prophet inspire us. Let us all live in peace, happiness, harmony and unity”.

The Chief Minister said Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) continues to illuminate the lives of people and remain an abiding source of strength for all humanity. He said the teachings of the Prophet proclaiming the oneness of God and compassion to fellow human beings are eternal. “His life and work inspired us to spread peace, love and tolerance.

Kiran Kumar reiterated his government’s commitment to welfare and development of the Minorities. He said his Government has launched many measures for the educational and social uplift of the Muslim minorities and stand by all the assurances.

The Chief Minister said the budget for minorities has been enhanced for this year (2013-14) to Rs.1027 crore from Rs 489 crores last year whereas it was only Rs.30 crores during 2004-05. He said the State Government is taking all steps to see that all Muslim children are given proper education and admitted to the schools.

Kiran Kumar Reddy said the State Government created a separate Minority Welfare Department for the Welfare and Development of Minorities and a Commissionerate for Minorities Welfare was also created. The APSMFC (Andhra Pradesh State Minorities Finance Corporation), Urdu Academy, A.P State Minorities Commission, Haj Committee, WAKF Board were also revamped to develop Minorities.

The Chief Minister said that scholarships and Mess charges for Muslim students have also been hiked. He said competitive exams coaching centres for minorities have been opened at Hyderabad, Guntur, Visakhapatnam, Kurnool and other places. Marriage incentives for Muslims has been hiked from Rs.15,000/- to Rs.25,000/- INN