CM flags off second batch of Haj pilgrims

Hyderabad, Sept 15 (INN): Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday requested the Haj pilgrims from the State to pray for the development and welfare of new State during their pilgrimage in Holy Mecca and Madina.

Speaking while flagging off the second batch of 350 pilgrims at the Haj House at Nampally, the Chief Minister prayed that the Almighty accepts the Haj of all pilgrims. He said he always prays that all people of Telangana remain happy and the State remains peaceful.

In his four-minute speech delivered in Urdu, KCR said that his government was committed to the welfare and development of minorities. Alleging that earlier governments have ignored the welfare of minorities, he informed that he has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the development of minorities in this year’s budget. He said that the funds would be increased as and when required. Speaking about the Kalyani Lakshmi scheme, he said Rs 51,000 would be directly credited into the accounts of poor Muslims at the time of their marriage. He all in earlier regimes, the dowry items given during the marriages of poor girls was sub-standard. But now the girls can buy the items of their choice, he said.

Responding to the delay in construction of a new Wakf building adjacent Haj House due to non-payment of permission fee, the Chief Minister directed the officials to speak to Municipal Administration Secretary and issue the GO for construction by Tuesday itself.

KCR personally interacted with a few Haj pilgrims while congratulating them for the holy journey.

Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, Home Minsiter Nayani Narasimha Reddy, Secunderabad MP Bandaru Dattatreyya, Mayor Mohammed Majid Hussain, Nampally MLA Jaffer Hussain Meraj, TRS MLA Aamir Shakil and MLC Mohammed Saleem, Minorities Welfare Secretary Ahmed Nadeem, SHC Special Officer Prof SA Shukoor, Wakf Board Special Officer MJ Akbar, SHC Executive Officer MA Hameed and other officials were also present.