MiM Expresses Concern over City Traffic Problems

MiM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi with MiM Party workers in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad : The MIM has expressed serious concern over the mounting traffic woes in the state capital and blamed the police for ignoring the regulation duties. Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Assembly on Thursday, MIM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi pointed out that the traffic police had been ignoring the regulatory work as they were busy imposing fines on helmetless drivers. "In every nook and corner of the city you find the police busy issuing challans and not regulating the traffic," he said and pointed out that a whopping Rs 15 crore was collected in 2006 as compounding fee. He wanted to know how much of this amount was spent on improving the traffic junctions, signal lights and others. Stating that Hyderabad has the largest vehicle density in the country — 2337 vehicles per kilometre — Akbaruddin Owaisi lamented that the road availability, however, was only six per cent. The total number of vehicles in the twin cities had crossed 22 lakh with autos numbering over 1.5 lakh, twowheelers 16.8 lakh and cars 1.67 lakh, the MIM Leader said and pointed out that the police were grossly understaffed to control the traffic. "There are about 150 vacancies but no steps are being taken to fill them up," he said. Reacting to this, home minister K Jana Reddy said a joint meeting would soon be arranged with three ministers — municipal administration, home and transport — to look into the traffic problems and find a solution.

MiM Demands Uninterrupted Power Supply in Twin Cities and Rural Areas

MiM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi Giving Speech in MiM held Public Meeting in Nizamabad District

Hyderabad February 14: The Majilis e Ittehadul Muslimeen Charminar MLA Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri demanded the government for uninterrupted power supply both in rural areas and twin cities keeping in view the commencement of exams for students.

Raising the issue of unscheduled power cuts in cities and rural areas in Zero hour, MIM MLA Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri said that students are facing severe problems due to the power cuts by APTransco and wanted the government to check the power cuts during the exam period. Along with that APTransco officials are going against the assurance of Minister for Finance and health K Raosaiah on erecting of meters on poles. He said that going against the rules officials are continuing erecting electric meters on poles which should be stopped immediately.

He said that the power cuts is also creating problem for supply of drinking water and stated due to power break down supply of water is also being affected. Referring the MIM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisis memorandum and demand for waiver of arrears, he asked the government to waive the arrears from electricity bills as done by the government in rural areas. He said that government should waive off the arrears to the people living in cities. MLA Ahmed Pasha Quadri alleged that vigilance department officials are booking false cases of power theft and imposing heavy chillums. He said that these officials are booking false cases and obtaining signatures from household women’s who are alone in the houses and creating problems to them. He said that several cases were booked against the MIM corporators and MIM activists by vigilance officials of false power theft. He also requested the government to maintain power supply during the examination period without causing trouble to the students appearing for exams.

MiM Extends Support for Hunger Strike For SCs and STs

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi Giving Speech at Hunger Strike Orgainzed for SC and STs in Hyderabad.

Hyderabad February 25: Ongoing indefinite hunger strike launched by(CPIM) State Secretary and Kula Vivaksha Porata Samithi ( (KVPS) Caste Discrimination Porata Samithi) B V Raghavulu received solidarity from all the political parties including Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) on the gross injustice with dalits, scheduled castes and tribes in the state.

MIM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi expressing solidarity with CPI M leader Raghavulu for the cause SC, ST welfare and development, said that all major political parties in the state showcase themselves as the champions for the cause of Minorities, SC, ST and BC development while in opposition but after assuming power they forget these sections. He added that these practice being followed by all the major political parties ignoring the welfare of the backward sections. He said that the banks loans for Minorities, SC, ST and BC not even reaches the 5 percent target.

Expressing support Akbaruddin Owaisi asserted to raise the issue in ongoing assembly session and out side the assembly and stated that the hunger strike launched by CPI M Leader was for the good cause. He said that 16.5 percent sizeable population lives in the state but the government was oral promise, nothing being implemented practically. Raghauvulu added that every budgetary allocation is declining for SC castes but the allocated budget is not spending for the welfare.

He said MIM party would extend all support in the struggle launched for SC and ST welfare. He added that the government was giving away huge lands to Multi National Companies but no land is being distributed among the poor people. B V Raghuvulu said that expressing thanks for the solidarity extended by all political parties.

MiM MP Asaduddin Owaisi in India Today Magazine

Part of an Article On Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Asaduddin Owaisi in India Today Magazine

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi's reply to the debate on the motion of thanks for the Governor’s Address

MiM Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi in State Assembly Hall.

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi's reply to the debate on the motion of thanks for the Governor’s Address in Andhra Pradesh State Assembly.


The Honourable Governor’s Address to the Assembly is the fourth such address after the Congress regained power in the State in the historic 2004 elections. The Governor’s address, incidentally, provides a mid-term review of the performance of the Congress government under Dr Rajasekhar Reddy’s stewardship. The Congress made many promises in the election manifesto for 2004 polls and the government has taken steps to fulfil these promises over the last 33 months.

So far as the minorities are concerned, the Government made efforts to fulfil the promise for five percent reservations for Muslims in professional education and public employment. However, this decision has faced legal obstacles with the Honourable High Court striking down the reservations twice. Now the issue is pending before the Honourable Supreme Court.

We expected the Governor to make a mention of the government’s commitment to the reservations for Muslims and the efforts being made to overcome the legal hurdles. But it is unfortunate that there is glaring omission of this all important issue in the Governor’s address which is supposed to be a policy statement of the government, providing a review of its achievements in the outgoing year and setting out the agenda for the government in terms of its policies and priorities for the ensuing year. It would have been in the fitness of things if the Governor had referred to the reservations for Muslims.

I would like the Honourable Chief Minister to clarify on the efforts being made by the Government to implement the decision on Muslim reservations by overcoming the legal hurdles. I am sorry to point out that there is no forward movement on this key issue with the Honourable Supreme Court yet to constitute the constitutional bench to hear the state government’s appeal against the High Court’s judgement quashing the five percent reservations for Muslims. I would like to request the Honourable Chief Minister to request the Government of India to implead in the case. The Attorney General of India should be requested to assist the government on the issue.

Recently, while inaugurating national seminar on “Challenges and Opportunities for Indian Muslims (Sachar Committee Report) hosted by AP United Muslim Action Committee here in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister had made several announcements like cent percent coverage of Muslim students in pre and post-matric scholarships in the state from the next financial year, opening of 36 new hostels exclusively for Muslim boys and girls and financial assistance for modernization of education in Madrasas.

The Chief Minister also spoke about steps to make the minorities feel that they are stake-holders in the development of the state. He also assured that so far as Sachar Committee recommendations in relation to the state are concerned, the government would its best to implement them. I would like to know from the Chief Minister what follow up action is being taken by the State Government for implementation of Sachar Committee recommendations.

I would like to draw the attention of the Chief Minister to the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities, which spells out a slew of measures, schemes, programmes, policy interventions and initiatives for enhancing opportunities for education for minorities, for providing equitable share in economic activities and employment for minorities, for improving the living conditions of minorities and for prevention and control of communal riots.

A number of centrally sponsored schemes and programmes are being implemented by the state government and the PM’s 15-Point programme clearly states that minorities should be covered under these schemes and programmes alongwith other sections of society. These schemes include Integrated Child Development Services, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya scheme, teaching of Urdu, modernizing Madarsa education, self-employment and wage employment schemes such as SGSY, SJSRY and NREGP, bank credit and micro credit, Indira Awaas Yojana, IHSDP and JNNURM, besides recruitment to state services, including police force, etc. I would request the Chief Minister to spell out the action plan for implementing the PM’s New 15-Point Programme for Minorities.

The Governor’s Address offers some positive signals for the minorities. The Governor has announced that the allocation for scholarships for the minorities would be doubled in the ensuing financial year from Rs.31 crore in the outgoing financial year. The Governor also mentioned that scholarship rates have been enhanced.

However, I would like to point out that the budgetary allocation needs to be further enhanced to fulfil the Chief Minister’s announcement on the floor of the Assembly last year that the scholarship rates for minorities would be brought on par with the Backward Classes. This has not been done so far, though modest increases have been effected in the scholarship rates for minority students at pre-matric and post-matric levels.

Our party also welcomes the Governor’s announcement that the government proposed to saturate the post-matric scholarship and reimbursement of tuition fees to all eligible students among BCs and minorities beginning from next year as is being done for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
This saturation should cover the pre-matric students also as promised by the Chief Minister.

I am sorry to point out that nothing has been mentioned in the Governor’s address about Urdu education, effective steps for implementation of Urdu as second official language in 15 districts, including the appointment of Second Official Language Commission for Urdu. Similarly, nothing has been mentioned about the scheme proposed by the Chief Minister for grants-in-aid for modernization of Madrasa education. No mention has also been made about the 36 new hostels for minorities promised by the Chief Minister.

The Governor dwelt at length on the implementation of land reforms and the scheme taken up for large-scale distribution of lands to the landless poor during the last two year. The government has launched second generation land reforms (Bhoo Yagnam) for resuming the assigned lands in the illegal possession of influential persons but I would request the Honourable Chief Minister to take effective steps for resumption of Wakf lands in the illegal occupation of influential persons and institutions, including government agencies. A drive should be launched to take back Wakf lands which are under illegal occupation.

So far as weaker sections housing programme is concerned, I would like to point out that the minorities, particularly Muslims, are not allotted houses in proportion to their population or as per the stipulated quota in urban and rural housing schemes. Our party welcomes the decision of the government to come out with a policy to help lower middle and middle class families to have their own houses, especially in view of the soaring land prices.

The Governor has referred to the emerging water challenge in the state capital. There is urgent need to take up the third phase of the Krishna Drinking Water Supply scheme for bringing a further 90 million gallons per day to the twin cities. Moreover, the Chief Minister had announced recently that 33 tmc feet of water or 550 MGD would be brought to Hyderabad through the Pranahita-Godavari link scheme. But the Governor has talked about only bringing 10 tmc feet of Godavari water to the city. This is not enough to tackle the impending water crisis.

Regarding the Old City of Hyderabad, the Governor has reiterated the Chief Minister’s
announcement of a special package of Rs 2024.65 crore to improve the basic infrastructural facilities in the next three years. The Governor has said that a similar proposal for the development of other parts of the twin cities is being prepared. Here, I would like to request the Chief Minister to ensure budgetary allocations under the State budget and central schemes to the tune of Rs.750 crore per year for expeditious implementation of Old City package as scheduled.

Another suggestion I would like to make. Hyderabad District Collector, Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad and Hyderabad Urban Development Authority are overburdened with work of implementation of various schemes, programmes and projects in the twin cities. Therefore, for effective implementation and monitoring of the Old City special package, the Quli Qutub Shah Authority should be strengthened by conferring the statutory statue of an Urban Development Authority. Adequate staff, powers and financial allocations should be made to QQSUDA for overseeing the implementation of Old City special package.

The Governor has mentioned about the Mass Rapid Transit System to be taken up at an outlay of Rs 7,986 crore for covering 60 kms in the first phase. The work on the MRTS is scheduled to commence in the ensuing financial year. The government should take care that a minimum number of properties are affected under this project, particularly in the Old City of Hyderabad. The government should also ensure that the affected property owners are paid compensation at the prevailing market rates to avoid hardships and litigation.

I would also request the Government to take up the Bus Rapid Transit System as a complementary scheme for the MRTS. The Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad has already accorded sanction for the BRTS, covering a length of 42 kms at a cost of Rs 316 crore. The BRTS is essential for solving the chronic traffic problem in Hyderabad city. There is also need to expeditiously complete the Outer Ring Road project to ease the traffic chaos in the twin cities.

As regards Hussainsagar Lake and Catchment Area Improvement project with an outlay of Rs 310 crore,I may point out that we have been hearing for several years now that the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation has evinced interest in the project and agreed to extending financial assistance. But nothing has happened so far and we hope that this time, atleast, the work on the project gets going to restore the lake water quality and ecology at the earliest. However, there is no mention about the Musi River Conservation project and I request the Chief Minister to enlighten the House on this scheme.

Our party welcomes the plans to ensure water and power supply on round-the-clock basis for the state capital. I would request the Chief Minister to ensure that there are no power cuts in the current summer, especially in the cities and towns, in view of the ensuing public examinations for SSC, Intermediate, polytechnic, professional and degree and post-graduate courses during March and April.

As regards the government’s decision to set up regional development boards to ensure balanced regional development and development of all districts. This has been a longstanding demand of our party and the Finance Minister K Rosaiah reacted positively while replying to debates on state budget earlier but the implementation of the assurance has taken unduly long time. The sooner the regional boards are constituted, the better. However, unless a special package is announced for Telangana, as demanded by our party repeatedly, no purpose will be served by reviving the regional boards which were abolished without rhyme or reason by previous TDP government headed by N T Rama Rao in the early 1980s.

On the issue of Naxalism, I may recall that the Congress manifesto promised to hold peace talks with the Maoists to find a lasting solution to this protracted problem. The Congress viewed this problem as a socio-economic issue rather than strictly a law and order problem. But, after the aborted peace talks in 2004, the government seems to treat left-wing extremism purely as a law and order problem by giving a free hand to the police to neutralize the Maoists through arrests, induced surrenders and encounter killings. Encounters are no answer and it would be better if the Government revives the peace talks with Maoists at the earliest.


Additional points on Governor’s address:

The Governor has mentioned that the state’s economy is showing significant growth. During the Tenth plan period, which ends on March 31 this year, the state has recorded higher growth compared to eighth and ninth plans. Without imposing fresh taxes, the Honourable Finance Minister has managed the State finances very well in the last 33 months, without resorting to ways and means advances or overdraft from the RBI for a single day. I hope that the Finance Minister would fulfil the target of bringing down the revenue deficit to zero level by the year 2009.

The agricultural sector is also showing signs of growth, thanks to the short-term and long-term initiatives taken by the government to help the distressed farmers. The Central government has approved a package of Rs 9,650 crore for the 16 districts in the state where a large number of farmers’ suicides were reported. It is heartening to know that the foodgrains production in the state during the previous year reached an all-time high of 169 lakh tones.

As regards Jalayagnam, the government has launched the work for completion of 30 major and 18 medium irrigation projects to create an additional ayacut of 69 lakh acres
besides stabilizing existing ayacut of 21 lakh acres. I may recall that the government had promised to complete at least eight major projects in the first two years and the remaining projects in five-year period.

But there has been time overrun on this score, though an additional ayacut of 12 lakh acres has been created so far. Our party demands that all the ongoing projects should be completed expeditiously, so that the backward areas in Telangana, Rayalaseema and north coastal Andhra get the much-needed irrigation water. Work should commence immediately on Pranahita-Godavari link project also.

On the issue of Special Economic Zones, it has been mentioned that the total extent of lands required for the SEZs would come to 1.5 lakh acres. The Governor has assured that the Government would ensure that “unless it is absolutely warranted, no wet land is acquired for creation of SEZs.” By saying so, the government is not ruling out the option of acquiring wet land in case of “absolute necessity” for the SEZs. We do not want the wet agricultural lands to be acquired for SEZs at all. Otherwise, this will cause heartburns to farmers and deprive them of their livelihood.

The power situation is turning to be precarious. The government should expeditiously complete the ongoing power projects in the public sector, including the 2,100 Megawatts combined cycle gas-based project near Karimnagar which is meant to supply power to Hyderabad . The Simhadri expansion power project and the Ultra mega power project at Krishnapatnam also need to be commissioned at the earliest. The government should make efforts to secure gas supply for the gas-based power projects, which are awaiting commissioning due to non-supply of gas so far.

Our party welcomes the novel scheme being introduced to provide insurance cover to BPL families for treating major ailments. The Arogya Sri scheme should cover all BPL families for providing insurance cover to the extent of Rs two lakh per annum. I would speak more on this subject when the demands for medical and health are taken up in the House later.

Also, the government should ensure effective implementation of all the schemes and programmes meant for improving school education. The Governor has announced that about 300 concept schools under public-private partnership mode are being proposed to bridge the rural urban divide in digital and communication skills. I would like the Chief Minister to give more details of this scheme when replying to the debate on Motion of Thanks for the Governor’s address.

With these words, I conclude my speech and thank the Honourable Speaker for giving me this opportunity.

MiM Party Reprsentation on Electricity Bill Waiver to Chief Minister

Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen Legislators in Andhra Pradesh State Assembly.

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi's letter to CM on electricity bill arrears waiver in Old City of Hyderabad


The Hon’ble Chief Minister
Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad

Dear Sir,

Request—regarding Sub: Waiver of electricity bill arrears of the poor in Old City of Hyderabad

With reference to the subject cited, I would like to draw your kind attention to the serious problems being faced by the poor people in the Old City of Hyderabad.

In the last few years, particularly during theprevious Telugu Desam rule, the Discom officials hadput the residents of the Old City to lot of harassment
on the pretext of power pilferage. Hundreds and thousands of cases were booked against the Old City consumers on flimsy grounds like broken seals on meters,faulty meters or alleged pilferage.

Moreover, huge fines were imposed on the poor consumers for these alleged violations. This way, even though the consumers in the Old City paid their power bills, the penalties and fines imposed on them for alleged violations mounted with penal interest. So, the so-called arrears of power bills have reached several crores of rupees.

I may recall the agitation taken up by the Congress , MIM and other parties against the previous Telugu Desam government when the power tariffs were hiked exorbitantly in the year 2000. In the name of powers sector reforms, the previous government placed huge burden on power consumers and put them to hardships.

After coming to power, your government waived the power arrears of the farmers to the tune of Rs 1,200crore, apart from providing free power to agricultural pumpsets. Recently, your government has waived the power arrears of SC/ST colonies in the state.

I,therefore, request you to please consider waiver of the electricity bill arrears of the poor consumers in the Old City of Hyderabad and also withdraw the thousands of cases booked against the power consumers in the Old City by the Discom officials in the lastfew years.

I hope you will respond positively to this genuine request on behalf of the people of Old City.

Thanking you
Yours truly
Akbaruddin Owaisi
MiM Floor Leader in State Assmebly

MiM President Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi Speech in Seminar

CM announces Aid for Schools and Scholarships for Muslims at Seminar Organized By MiM and UAPMAC

Union Minsiter Of HRD Ashraf Ali Fatmi Speaks at Seminar seen seated are MiM Supremo Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi and AP Chief Minister Y S Rajashekar Reddy and Moulana Hameeduddin Aqil Convenor AP United Muslim Action Committee.


HYDERABAD, Jan 13 : Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has announced 100 per cent coverage of Muslim students in pre and post-matric scholarships in the State from the next financial year Inaugurating a two-day national seminar on `challenges and opportunities for Indian Muslims' hosted by All India Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen and Andhra Pradesh United Muslim Action Committee in the light of Sachar Committee report Findings here on Saturday, Dr. Reddy said i am really delighted to be hear with you to participate in the seminar to know about the Human Resource Committee Report and to hear from Abu Saleh Shariff about the salient features the Sachar Committee Report and to discuss the modalities as how best the report can be implemented. It is a very noble and loudable exercise and I comment every one participated in it and responsible in it, we have heard of length from Abu Saleh Sahab about the plight of the Muslims of our country in some area especially the conditions are deteriorated.

Fortunately 21/2 years back when U.P.A came in power this Government under the stewardship of Shri. Manmohan Singh Ji and overall guidance of Smt. Sonia Gandhi Ji have categorically reaffirmed their faith in the upliftment of Minorities especially in the Muslims Minority. After all the Muslim Minority population in India is the highest anywhere in the country and any where in the world. We just cant be silent spectators on and on all inclusive growth leaves away Muslims aside that just cannot happen and any Governance worth its name should not allow that. Shri. Manmohan Singh Ji the Prime Minister has appointed the Sachar Committee who have gone into various facets of development for the Minorities and came out with an exhausted report. Every thing that is possible has to be done to see that the Minorities in the country should definitely feel that they are the part of the Country, part of our civilization, they have got a stake in the country, they are all stake holders in the development and I am quite sure that this Government in the Government of India and our Government in the State will do every thing that is possible, who will leave no stone unturned to see that the Minorities will get their share in the Government. We in Andhra Pradesh like U.P.A Govt. in the center, congress Government in the state, since we came into the Government about 21/2 years back I can now proudly say that we have taken every possible step to see that the lost of Minorities are improved in every possible way.
The 1st year when we came into Government the pre and post matric scholarships that were being paid that were been given to the Minority students were just 4 crores rupees. Last year we increased that to 10 crores and this years we increased further that to 33 crores rupees. Only the other day I have also instructing the department that the quantum of Scholarships, the scholarships that is being paid for individual students should be on par with the other OBC students. Earlier it was not so. Especially the Muslims boys the scholarships was so low that many of them were not bothering to go and apply for that. But I have taken a categorical decision that the scholarships to Minority students shall be on par with other B.C’s and I will assure you that for the next year budget on wards every minority students either pre matric or post matric who is eligible for the scholarship every one of them in the state of Andhra Pradesh will get his scholarship, there will be complete 100% saturation in the scholarships. We believe that Educational opportunities is a must if a community have got to grow and to achieve this, we will do every thing that is possible. I would like to see that the higher educational levels in Muslims in Andhra Pradesh is reasonably OK and that in the lower levels are not that good. This year we have opened 12 new hostels in the state of Andhra Pradesh and exclusively for the Minority Boys and Girls. If this year we have opened 12 in the next year will open at least 36 if not more. I will assure you that we will do every thing that is possible to increase the levels of education in the minority. Even in the Madarsas the education which is taught their, they are big welcome but not only the theosophical teachings but all the other facets of life have to be seen there so as a innovation program in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Propably any other state has it or not I do not know but we have started that if the community agrees we want to give lot more education facilities in Madarsas and I am quite sure that the Minority Department will be interacting with the Madarsas in the next year, all sorts of needful upgradation in Madarsas by way of any grant in aid or lumpsum grant in aid or some sort of a help in what ever possible way we can do, we will be very keenfull and in the state of Andhra Pradesh in the last election we have assured that when Congress party Government comes in to power, we will give in the state 5% reservation to the Minority. We did so last year, atleast 200 boys and girls of Muslim Minority got admission in the Medical colleges and they are studying Medicine, who otherwise would not have studied. Atleast 3000 M.B.A’s and Engineering graduates are perusing their studies because of this reservation but unfortunately a B.J.P leader went to the court against reservation and legal hurdles have come in the way and the problem is presently in the Supreme Court. Inspite of the problems, I assure you that we will do every thing that is possible to see that the 5% reservation to Muslim Minority will be achieved. OK some problems will be there but we will outcome the problems with all “Inshallah” God willing, I am quite sure that we will outcome the problems. Well the housing were given special focus either it is JNNURM or the Rajiv Gruha Kalpa or even in the villages or smaller towns where in we have taken regular weaker section housing programs. Earlier there was a persistant complaint that Muslims were not getting enough share. The 1st years of our Government we have adhered to 20% reservation for Muslims in housing and from this year we have now gone into a saturation concept wherein the officials identify it in villages or in ward or Municipality whether one belongs to Muslim community or whether one belongs to Hindu community or whether one belongs to SC or ST or other OBC’s any one who doesn’t have a shelter on his head, it’s a 100% saturation concept in the state of Andhra Pradesh and every one will get its share. We have started this year and for the next 2 years by year 2009 March we assure you that every houseless belonging to every community in the State of Andhra Pradesh will get shelter. After 58 years of independence if any citizen, if any family doesn’t have a house to live even in a small one room tenant house, I think it is a shame on Democracy, it is a shame on civilization. We will do every thing that is possible to complete it. This year we have taken up a construction of 20 lakhs houses probably no where in the country this sort of a program is going on and this sort of a program will continue for the next 2 years and every soul, every family in the state of Andhra Pradesh whether Muslim, Hindu which ever caste, creed every one will get its due share of housing. Well I also say that there was a persistent complaint that every where and every aspect the Old City was neglected as Mr. Shariff was pointing out. Some how or other the delivery systems may be that they have filed to deliver and their was a persistent complaint that Old City’s developmental activities whether it is a road widening, drain or housing programs in any possible way in street lighting, their progress in old city was not comparable to the other parts of the city. I am glad to announce that in the recent past three months back I have taken almost about 200 crores Old City development package in a special focus manner and in the course of next three years, we will be completing that. Un-Employment in the Muslims is the another major concern we have not started this Indira Kranti Padam in Urban and Rural areas, two years back we have started in the rural areas. Last year we have started in the Urban areas where in women groups are being organized in a small self help groups and the lending to the self help groups will pave the way in a very big way for their self empowerment. Empowerment of women and specially in the Muslims women, empowerment is focused area because we are giving the way subsidy of 6% interest from what the bank give 9% that means the ultimately the self help groups will be liable to pay only 3% interest and this subsidy from Government of Andhra Pradesh which we give as the interest subsidy is linked to the prompt repayment of the women groups and this is really helped in a very big way. Lots of developmental activities are taking place because of bank linkages to the Muslim women and in a very focused manner it will continue this and I will assure the community that Muslim women will definitely be a proud participants in the overall development of their own family. I will do every thing that is possible in this regard. With regard to general employment in the Muslims with regard to their other social and cultural activities involving them into the general developmental activities filling up of their organizations like the Wakf Board, the Haj Committee, the Urdu Academy. Haj Committee and Urdu Academy we have already appointed, the Wakf Board there are some legal problems and as soon as the legal problem is sorted, we will definitely sort that out, the Minority commission also we have appointed, I will assure you that as far as Muslims are concerned we will give every possible signal every consent that Muslims are part of us, Muslims are of us and we will do every thing possible to feel that their problems are taken care off.
Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development Mohammed Ashraf Ali Fatmi said that he would submit the report on the action plan to implement the Sachar Committee report to the Union HRD Minister on January 21.on the likely implementation of the report said the state government would also have to implement the Sachar Committee recommendations in areas like employment. On the likely implementation of the report. Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen President Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi said in his long political career he has heard lot about Development and promises for Muslims by many Govts over the years and added if infact all these promises had been done then the Muslims of India would had been the most forward but infact it is the opposite and Muslims still live under bad conditions and there was a urgent need for there upliftment and the MiM Supremo said Sachar Committee Report is an eye opener for all and added that only two chief ministers -- Jalagam Vengala Rao and Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy -- fulfilled the promises they made to the Muslim community.

Sachar Committee member Abusaleh Shariff gave a detailed presentation on the conditions of Muslims in the country and recommendations to improve their lot. Shariff said the percentage of Muslims occupying government posts was negligible and even less were availing bank loans . Many noted academics , Journalists , Non Resident Indians , Managment Students and Islamic Scholars attended the Meeting and jubilee hall was packed with Listeners. MiM MP Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi was the Convenor of the Seminar.Others who attended the meeting were Syed Akbar Nizamuddin Hussaini Saberi ,Moulana Taqi Raza Abedi,Moulana Syed Masood Hussain Mujtahidi,Barrister Sardar Ali Khan, Dr Amirullah Khan ,Prof M.Suleman Siddiqui,Moulana Abdul Raheem Quershi, Mohammed Raheemuddin Ansari and State Govt Ministers Mohammed Ali Shabbir and Mohammed Fareeduddin and Chief Secretary Jannat Hussain . MiM legislators Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, Ahmed Pasha Quadri , Afsar Khan and Moazzam Khan looked after the Arrangments .

MiM Backs Decision to set up States Reorganisation Commission and will hold Seminar On Sachar Committee Report

MiM MP Asaduddin Owaisi addressing a MiM held meeting in Hyderabad.

MiM Backs Congress Decision to set up States Reorganisation Commission


Hyderabad, Jan 11: The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MiM) on Thursday said the issue of granting Statehood to Telangana should be decided only by a State Reorganisation Commission (SRC) . Addressing a press Conference here, MiM MP Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the Congress’ decision to press for a second SRC on Telangana. The Statehood to Telangana should not be granted unilaterally. The Central government should take views of all parties into account before carving out a new State. The appropriate body to start this process of consultation is only the States Reorganisation Commission.” He said. MP Asaduddin Owaisi said Muslims were a party to the Telangana issue and their views should be taken. We will present our views on the status of Hyderabad as and when the SRC is set up. Mr. Owaisi added. The MiM MP accused the Congress and the previous Telugu Desam governments of neglecting the welfare of Muslims in Telangana. “Telangana is backward so are the Muslims in the region .Telangana is a sensitive issue and it should not be dealt with in a hurry.” Mr. Owaisi suggested. He demanded that the Central government allocate at least Rs 3,000 crores for educational uplift of Muslims in the 11th five year plan Saying the report of the Rajinder Sachar committee that went into the educational, economic and social backwardness of Muslims was an eyeopener,"The Congress led UPA Government should initiate steps to prepare a sub plan for Muslims in the next Five Year Plan to improve the lot of Muslim minority," he said. He urged the central government to announce a plan for the community. The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) MP is organizing a two-day national seminar on 'Challenges and Opportunities for Indian Muslims' here from Saturday. The two-day seminar to be held on Saturday and Sunday will be inaugurated by Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy and will be addressed by Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development MA Fatimi, Sachar Committee member Abu Saleh Shareef and Osmania University Vice Chancellor Sulaiman Siddqui. Mr Owaisi said the seminar would come up with a set of proposals and a plan of action on how to implement the Sachar Committee findings which will discuss various aspects of the report and come out with recommendations to be submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh . After the seminar a delegation will call on the prime minister and urge him to allocate substantial funds for educational, economic and social improvement of the conditions of Muslims, Owaisi told reporters Thursday. He said reservations for Muslims in jobs and educational institutions could be concrete steps to help the community. Mr Owaisi said "During the last Five Year Plan the allocation for Muslims was a meagre Rs 40 crore to Rs 50 crore. The Sachar committee has stated that Muslims were contributing $70 billion to the country's GDP. This is a very significant contribution and hence Muslims have a right to get at least Rs 50,000 crore in the 11th Plan," he said.


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MiM Seeks Fast Development Work in Old City

MiM Leaders with MCH Commissioner at a review Committee Meeting in Hyderabad.

MiM Seeks Fast Development Work in Old City

Hyderabad December 26: The Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) have completed 1885 works in five assembly constituencies within 9 months period in the current financial year. MCH Commissioner Sanjay Jaju informing the details said that 340 works in five assembly constituencies worth 20 crores were under progress at various stages while another 850 works worth 52 crores are sanctioned that are under tendering and grounding stage.
The highest number of works sanctioned and completed was in Chandrayangutta assembly constituency with 780 and 544 respectively in the current financial year worth 22.61 crores, said the MCH Commissioner while reviewing the developmental works in old city with Majlis e Ithedul Muslimeen (MIM) MP and MLAs.
Here today Commissioner MCH Sanjay Jaju along with other officials reviewed the developmental works with Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, MIM Floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi MLA Chandrayangutta, Mumtaz Ahmed Khan, MLA Yakutpura, Muqtada Afsar Khan, MLA Karwan, Syed Ahmed Pasha Quadri Chariminar MLA and Mohd Mouzzam Khan MLA Asif Nagar. The officers include Additional Commissioner Projects Dhananjay Reddy, Additional Commissioner Traffic and transport NVS Reddy. Comparing with last year the works, commissioner said that works completed in record period and listed out the works. He said that 780 works were sanctioned in Chandrayangutta Constituency, in which 544 were completed while 73 works costing 4.15 crores are under progress and another 163 works costing around 7.63 crores sanctioned and would be grounded shortly. Out of 433 works sanctioned in Yakutpura Constituency a major chunk that’s 266 were completed under 144 were sanctioned would be started shortly, rest are under final stages.
Sanjay Jaju said that in Charminar constituency 481 works were sanctioned in which 354 were completed while 165 would be started shortly that under are tendering stage, the rest 62 are under progress. In Karwan Assembly constituency a total of 306 works were completed while 164 works sanctioned to tune of 7.63 crores. The rest 116 works are under progress costing 6.71 crores.Under Asif Nagar assembly constituency, out of the total 579 works about 315 works were completed while 206 works costing 14 crores are sanctioned would commenced shortly, the rest 58 works tuning 3.1 crores were under progress. The Commissioner also informed that corporation has proposed about 143 crores works under urban community development (UCB) fund with central government, in which the constituencies from old city were having share of about 47 crores. The works may likely get sanctioned in another two months.
Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi Demanded that the works sanctioned should be completed along with preparing fresh estimates for newly proposed works by the concerned MLAs in their respective constituency. The Contractors are delaying the ongoing works since they are bidding for several works pending the ongoing works and he requested the Corporation for restricting the contractors for having 4 to five works at a time so that the works are completed on time. He also asked the Commissioner that priority be given to proposals send by the MLAs by clearing them at the earliest.
MIM Floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi annoyed against the officers for neglecting the minority populated areas and asked to give priority to the works recommended by MLAs concerned, taking up on the priority basis. He also wanted that the immediate steps be taken in completing on the going works and the works sanctioned earlier cited the works of Habeeb Nagar nala, First Lancer Nala, Bakapur nala Murki Nala etc. He came down heavily over not taking up the works sanctioned on the ground at Talab katta during the visit of MiM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi and MCH Commissioner Sanjay Jaju.
Akbaruddin Owaisi, Mumtaz Ahmed and others also complained that the constructions of community halls were being pending for past one and half years, in spite of several reminders works were not yet started. Nawab Sahab kunta bridge estimate would be prepared that would be included under UCB project. Sattarbagh by pass drain lane which earlier proposed have been changed to non suitability of the project and work would be taken up beside that lane.
MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi also inquired about the progress of Balapur, Hafez babanagar Nala recalling the inundated water in that locality earlier. The works were sanctioned but could not be taken since large number of properties being affected if acted in accordance with Krilosakar committee report said the officers. Suggesting the plan, he said that the water from Balapur Lake could be diverted through the existing Nalas in Babanagar. The MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi along with officials from Corporation would make visit to Hafez babanagar day after tomorrow to get on hand information on the Hafez Baba Nagar Nala and Murki Nala works which need to expedited.
The Kishan Bagh stadium in Bhadarpura would be designed costing around 1.5 crores, said the Commissioner. He also informed that corporation wants to include several projects under JNNURM central government funded scheme. He informed that the works for Habeeb Nagar Nala, First Lancer costing around 1.99 crores and 60 lakhs were sanctioned. On the complained from MLAs that the works being pending for the past 2 years, he said that the works could not be taken up due poor response from contractors and stated that two Nalas will be taken at the earliest. He added that Balakpur Nala project cost 21 crores were prepared and was included under JNNURM.
Only 30 to 40 percent of street lights were seen glowing in Chandrayangutta, Charminar, Asif Nagar, Karwan, Yakutpura, on which Commissioner Sanjay Jaju stated that corporation, would not hesitate in canceling and recalling the fresh contracts to others for maintaining the cent percent street light glowing. The MLAs also complained that contractors were going unheard the complaints for repairs and having poor maintenance of street lights.
The Chariminar MLA complained about the high Mask lights, he said that in spite of getting 20 high light masks sanctioned only 8 were grounded while others were left pending. The same situation was with other constituencies. Mouzzam khan complained that not even semi high mask lights were installed in Asif Nagar constituency. Yakuthupura MLA Mumtaz Ahmed Khan criticized that the officials were not putting dumper bins for collecting garbage in several parts of old city and if putting were decayed bins which the commissioner rejected. But Khan asked Commissioner to make visit to Yakuthpura Bada bazaar to witness the dumper bins.
The MiM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi also asked the commissioner for construction of international standard swimming pool and the proposed project likely to be set up at Bandalaguda. He also asked the Commissioner to modernize the Moghalpura Swimming pool which was being kept pending in spite of budget allocation by the concerned corporator, on the line of Multi sports complex at Chandulal baradari that’s being taken up with estimated cost of 3.5 crores. The Road over bridge at Kandikal gate and Uppuguda projects were included under JNNURM project said the commissioner Sanjay Jaju, when asked by the Akbaruddin Owaisi. He also wanted that the corporation immediately take up the works for Gowlipura Bridge which was at dilapidated condition.

MiM MP Asaduddin Owaisi On Sachar Committee Report and Reservation in Parliament

Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Asaduddin Owaisi

ASADUDDIN OWAISI MP (HYDERABAD) : Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I rise to support the Bill that has been tabled in the august House. I have got some important points to bring to the notice of the august House.
The Sachar Committee report has been tabled in this House. It clearly states the educational backwardness of the Muslim community. According to Sachar Report, there are 39 per cent OBCs and 0.8 per cent Scheduled Caste in the Muslim community.
I support this Bill which provides reservation in Central Universities to SCs, STs and OBCs. However, I would like to know as to how fair it is to deny the benefits of reservation on the basis of religion, especially after the Government has tabled the Sachar Report in this august House which shows how bad my educational standards are and my conditions are.
I would just like to quote one point here as far as the report is concerned. Page 73 of Sachar Report clearly says, “The percentage of population of graduates, as far as the Muslims are concerned, is 1.2 and those attending P.G. courses is 16.3.” It is lesser in Muslims than in dalits also. You are not implementing these minority universities over there. But why is it that I am being denied such benefits? Moreover, the Presidential Order of 1950 contravenes the basic fundamental rights given in the Constitution.
How is it that only SCs belonging or professing the religion of Hinduism or Sikhism or neo Buddhism are being given reservation? Why not Dalit Christians and Dalit Muslims? This question has to be pondered over by the Government. I would request you sincerely, Sir, that the Government should come forward and ensure that the 1950 Presidential Order, Schedule III is amended. It says that only a person professing Hinduism or Sikhism or neo Buddhism can be classified as Schedule Caste. How is that possible? This Report of yours clearly says this. There is this argument about Muslims and OBCs. Why is it such a low percentage is there? This has to be looked into.
Lastly, about Jamia Milia University, how is that the present Vice-Chancellor wants to implement this present Bill in Jamia Milia University? Why has the Vice-Chancellor overnight changed this position? Why are we being denied such benefits? I would request you that this issue has to be taken care of. They have applied to the National Minority Education Commission also. It is pending over there. If Jamia Milia University is not a minority University, then, which is a minority university? This is a very important question. These are important points I wanted to bring to the notice of the august House.
I support this Bill. I hope that this UPA Government will take affirmative action and will not deny us reservation under Article 16(4). If people are opposed to reservations to Muslims, they should look into the pre-native history of Article 16(4). It is none other than Sardar Vallabhai Patel, who has stated `classes’ means `Minorities’. He was the Chairman of that Advisory Committee. Why are Muslims having reservations in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka? Why can they not be given reservations nationwide? It has to be done. Literacy rate of 13 per cent of population is only 59. There is a huge difference between literate and educated persons. You can very well imagine 13 per cent of population with a literacy of 59 per cent. Hence, I would request that the Government should come forward with the proposal and I hope that the hon. Minister, when he stands up to reply would respond to this or this UPA Government has to amend 1950 Presidential Order. They have to take affirmative action under Articles 15(4) and 16(4).
Thank you.

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi Booked for Making Inflammatory Speeches

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi at a rally near Charminar in Hyderabad

Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi booked for diatribe
27 Nov, 2006


HYDERABAD: Police have slapped cases under section 505 (1)(B)'290'153A against Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi and two others for allegedly making "inflammatory Speech and instigating public " at a meeting in Hafeezbaba Nagar late on Saturday night which was attended by thousands of People . Police themselves were at the receiving end of Akbaruddin Owaisi's diatribe.

The MIM party had taken permission from police to hold their public meeting and were told to close it by 10 pm as per rules.

Chandrayangutta legislator and MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi, who spoke at the meeting, reportedly made provocative speeches, bordering on communal lines.

Akbaruddin also allegedly criticized editors of two major Urdu newspapers for supporting the Communist Party and also against city police commissioner A K Mohanty. "Akbaruddin in his speeches used instigating and inflammatory language, which might have caused communal disharmony, and also used abusive language," the Kanchanbagh police said. In his speech, Akbaruddin also criticised the traffic police for imposing challans on traffic rule violators.

"If the traffic police penalise you, smash their heads. I am with you. I will ensure that no case is booked against you," Akbaruddin allegedly told the gathering. The speeches were also extended beyond the permitted time, i.e 10 pm. "The speeches went on till 10.30 pm and a case for creating public nuisance was also booked against the organisers," Kanchanbagh police inspector Ramdass Teja told on Sunday. The organisers were also booked for creating nuisance by bursting crackers and using microphones beyond the stipulated timing. However MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi speaking to Mediapersons said he stands by what he said and refused to say sorry to the Police Department and said that he wont take back his words and what he has said is Reality which is being faced by the people of Hyderabad and this is an Conspiracy by Anti Mim elements to silence the MiM Leaders but added we will not keep silent on the daily harrasment being faced by the People .
Cases were booked against Mohd Asif, the organiser of the meeting, and Mirza Ali Baig, a MIM activists. Ramdass Teja said they have audio tapes of the speeches as proof to proceed in the case. Cases were booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 153 (a) (delivering provocative speeches), 290 (creating public nuisance) and others. Police, however, are yet to make any arrests.

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi Gives Proof Of Encroached Wakf Land

Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi

MiM Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi gives proof of encroached wakf land 21 Nov, 2006

HYDERABAD: The revenue officials were left in a spot on Monday when Majlis ittehadul Muslimeen Floor Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi produced documentary evidence claiming Wakf Board's ownership over thousands of acres of land. Earlier the officials had shrugged off claims of the House Committee on Minorities Affairs that over 5,000 acres of land under the Andhra Pradesh State Wakf Board in Ranga Reddy district had been encroached upon by government agencies. At a review meeting at the Assembly, MIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi produced revenue records of all the encroached land, claiming that the property belongs to the Wakf Board. It even stunned officials when Owaisi fished out documents claiming that the land on which Indian School of Business, Microsoft and Moulana Azad National Urdu University (Manuu) stand were all Wakf property. Ranga Reddy collector L Premchandra Reddy had no option but to admit the revelations of the House Committee. Premchandra Reddy assured the committee that the district administration would study all the documents and come out with a comprehensive report along with an action plan for the Wakf Board to reclaim its land. Owaisi produced revenue records of over 2,716 acres of land along with the pahani records. House Committee chairman Syed Mohammed Ahmedullah asked the collector to remove encroachments over the Wakf land and re-establish the ownership of the Board. He wanted the revenue department to confirm details about the land of the ISB and Microsoft at Gachibowli and take measures to return it to the Wakf Board. "The ISB, Microsoft and Manuu may be given the allocated land on lease or may pay an appropriate rent to the Wakf Board," Owaisi demanded. The district collector sought two months' time from the House Committee for completing the verification process.This is the response of earlier visits by the Assembly Committee to more than 1,500 acres of wakf land and 510 acres belonging to Islamic Institution Jamia Nizamia which have been encroached upon under Serilingampally municipality by none other than government agencies.This came to light during a fact-finding drive launched by the Assembly House Committee for Minorities led by Akbaruddin Owaisi (Majlis ittehadul Muslimeen ) and Kadapa MLA (Congress) Ahmedullah onThursday. The entire wakf land comes under Dargah Shah Wali locatedin Raidurg village of Ranga Reddy district. The team comprising MLAs Ahmedullah, Akbaruddin Owaisi, Sheik Subhani, Ranga Reddy district collector L Premchandra Reddy, Wakf Board special officer-incharge Sheik Madar and Jamia Nizamia rector Moulana Mufti Khaleel Ahmed verified the revenue and wakf records which revealed that the land worth thousands of crores of rupees belonged to Wakf Board. As per the wakf records, there is a total of 1,654 acres that belongs to Dargah Shah Wali. Of the total dargah land, 250 acres has been allotted to Indian School of Business, 1,022 acres has been given away to Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation(APIIC), 200 acres to Moulana Azad National Urdu University (Manuu)and 29 acres has been left with Hyderabad Urban Development Authority(Huda). Only 150 acres of land is left with the dargah but someportion of the remaining land is encroached by individuals andstructures have come up on good amount of land. A review meeting will be held on November 20 where a policy decision would be taken to safeguard the available wakf land and retain the ownership over the encroached properties, he said. Akbaruddin Owaisi (MiM) demanded that government should not delay in getting the wakf land back. Even when court judgments on most of the land came in favour of the Wakf Board, neither the Wakf Board northe government made any efforts to take control over the properties,he said. Owaisi demanded that all the institutions that have encroached wakf land be brought under "lease-deed" and Muslim students be givena 10 per cent reservation in ISB and jobs in other institutions like APIIC.The House Committee visited several sites in Ranga Reddy district on Wednesday where it detected that hundreds of acres of wakf land has been allotted to various agencies, projects including IMG and forthe upcoming international airport at Shamshabad. The committee found that more than 900 acres of land in Shamshabad was being used for the new airport, 87 acres allotted to Apparel park, 420 acres to IMG, 340 acres for maternity hospital and 230 acres encroached upon by tribals.

Asaduddin Owaisi MP speech on Consideration of the Protection of Human Rights in Parliament

Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen MP Asaduddin Owaisi


At the outset, I stand to support the Bill. I have a few points and I would like the honble. Minister to clarify those.

The first point is, in July 2006 a Conference took place in Bhopal wherein all the State Human Rights Commissions assembled. Particularly in relation to this Bill, all of them were unanimous that when it comes to the Chairman of the Commission, he has to be a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or of the High Court.

The second point is that they were of the opinion that what this Bill does is that it reduces the number from five to three wherein a District Magistrate is being denied the right to become a member of the State Human Rights Commission. I would like to know from the hon. Minister whether he is going to give any weightage or consideration to the State Human Rights Conference which took place in July in Bhopal.

As far as the National Human Rights Act is concerned, the biggest human rights violation that takes place is in relation to child labour. Now as far as this Act is concerned, it relates only to public servants. Will the hon. Minister or this Government consider bringing in such a legislation or amending this particular Act wherein the NHRC can go into the violations in relation to child labour also? Many reports have come out in this regard. Various international organisations have submitted reports in recent days wherein it has been shown that the highest number of child labour is there in our country. It is very important and I hope the hon. Minister will respond to.

The third point is in relation to having ex-officio members of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission. Unfortunately, the National Minorities Commission has not been mentioned. Will the Minister agree to it?



Fourthly, as far as the recommendatory nature of compensation is concerned, I can understand about the problems of giving an interim order because you cannot have what is called in legal terminology, the dual remedy and dual damages in the same court of action. But as far as compensation is concerned, you make it mandatory. What is the point when NHRC or SHRC comes to a conclusion that the rights of ‘x’ or ‘y’ or ‘z’ have been violated and he deserves a compensation but the compensation is not given. The compensation does not bring back ones self esteem or integrity. But at the same time it goes a long way in sending a strong message to the violators of human rights. So, at least make the compensation aspect mandatory.

Fifthly, I would like to know from the hon. Minister when it comes to the removal section what is the difference between a person of unsound mind and infirmity of mind. Though I am not very good in my English but I really do not see any difference between infirmity of mind and an unsound mind.

Will the hon. Minister be kind enough to enlighten all of us why is it that various State Governments have established the State Human Rights Commissions, but the Gujarat State has not yet established a Human Rights Commission? What steps is the Central Government going to take to ensure that the Gujarat State establishes a Human Rights Commission? When you talk about transparency and that everybody is equal before law, unfortunately, the State Human Rights Commission is not working in Gujarat?

Finally, taking from what the hon. Member from Shiv Sena has said, what happened in Mumbai is condemnable but what is happening now is also condemnable. There are many people from Muslim community who are being kept in illegal confinement in Mumbai from 25 days or 30 days or 40 days. They are not being released. The State Government says that they are being released but there is a difference between the Maharashtra Government releasing people and Tripura Government releasing people. When the Government of Tripura arrested six to seven Muslims, they apologized publicly that they are sorry that they arrested wrong people. But what is happening in Maharashtra? Illegal confinement is taking place. Yesterday, we had brought this to the notice of the hon. Prime Minister also. A 68 year old man was kept in illegal confinement for 20 days. He was stripped. His daughter-in-law was forced to take off her burkha and she was threatened that if she does accept a particular crime in regard to Mumbai blasts, then she would also be stripped. So, these are very important things. As has been said just now by my senior colleague, unless and until you give teeth to NHRC, all our exercise will be of no use.

With these comments, I thank you for giving me this opportunity and I support this Bill.

Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen Statement On Telangana Issue

Majlis ittehadul Muslimeen Leader Akbaruddin Owaisi addressing MiM held Public Meeting In Hyderabad.


All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has
decided to extend full support to the Congress in the
byelection to Lok Sabha from Karimnagar constituency.
in the bypoll scheduled on December 4.

The AIMIM has taken this decision in view of the
prevailing political situation in the state and its
consistent stand on issues concerning the Muslim
community. In the 2004 Assembly/Lok Sabha elections,
our party, alongwith other constituent organizations
of United Muslim Forum, had actively campaigned in
favour of the Congress alliance and against the then
NDA constituents—the Telugu Desam-BJP alliance—because
both the parties were responsible for subjecting the
Muslims and other minorities to severe harassment
under NDA’s rule during 1998-2004.
At that time, our party took a decision to strengthen
the secular forces in the country and root out the
communal forces from power in a democratic way,
through proper and effective use of the right to vote.
As everyone knows, the NDA lost power at the Centre
and the Telugu Desam was dislodged from power in
Andhra Pradesh, as various sections of the society as
well as the minorities voted overwhelmingly for
Congress and its allies in the 2004 elections.
The UPA included several issues concerning the
minorities in its Common Minimum Programme. Our party
– AIMIM—supports the UPA government as it is a secular
formation committed to giving a fair deal to the
minorities in the country. Our party met and
represented to UPA chairperson and AICC president
Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on
the issues and problems concerning the minorities,
particularly Muslims, and they have responded
positively to our suggestions.
On our suggestions, the Prime Minister announced a
separate Ministry for Minorities. Hence, the Ministry
of Minority Affairs came into being on January 29,
2006, with a wide charter that includes overall
policy, planning, coordination, evaluation and review
of the regulatory and developmental programmes of the
minority communities. The Ministry of Minorities
Affairs is headed by Union Minister Abdul Rahman
Antulay, an eminent lawyer and former chief minister
of Maharashtra.
The Corpus Fund of Maulana Azad Education Fund has
been from Rs 70 crore in 2004-05 to Rs 100 crore in
2005-06 and doubled to Rs 200 crore in the current
financial year. The share capital of the National
Minorities Development and Finance Corporation has
been raised from Rs 500 crore to Rs 650 crore. A
merit-cum-means based scholarship scheme for 20,000
students, belonging to minorities, to pursue higher
education has been introduced this year.
Reports of the High Level Committee, constituted by
the Prime Minister under the chairmanship of Justice
Rajender Sachar, to examine social, economic and
educational status of the Muslim community in India
and the National Commission for Religious and
Linguistic Minorities to suggest criteria for
identification of socially and economically backward
sections among religious and linguistic minorities,
are expected to be submitted to the government soon.
Basing on their recommendations, our party expects and
exhorts the UPA government to take affirmative action
and initiatives for the overall development of the
Muslim community, which is more backward than the
Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward
Classes in the country.

Reservations issue:

Nearer home, the Congress government in Andhra
Pradesh, under Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar
Reddy’s stewardship, has taken some steps in the last
two and a half years to fulfil the promises made to
the minorities in the manifesto for 2004 elections.
The government sought to implement five percent
reservations for the Muslims by including the
community in the list of backward classes. However, it
is unfortunate that the Andhra Pradesh High Court
struck down the GO issued in 2004 and the Ordinance
promulgated in 2005 providing these reservations.
Our party holds the Sangh Parivar mainly responsible
for depriving the Muslim community of the benefits
under the five percent reservations in professional
educational institutions and public employment. On
both the occasions, Sangh parivar activists took the
issue to the High Court. It is unfortunate that the AP
High Court failed to do justice to the Muslims.
Rajender Sachar Committee has pointed out the sad
state of affairs of the Muslim community but our
judiciary does not appreciate the rationale behind the
reservations for Muslims.

The Muslims have, thus, failed to get any justice from
the judiciary so far, even as the matter is pending
before the Supreme Court of India. The state
government has filed its appeal last year but even
after an year, the Supreme Court has not begun the
hearings in the case since the full constitutional
bench is yet to be constituted for the purpose. On the
other hand, the Supreme Court also rejected the state
government’s plea to stay the High Court’s judgement
so as to allow the government to implement
reservations for Muslims in the 2006-07 academic year.
Our party also holds the view that while the Sangh
Parivar is to be blamed for dragging the issue to the
courts and the judiciary must share the responsibility
for not doing justice to the Muslims, the State
government cannot escape its share of the blame for
not effectively defending the reservations before the
AP High Court or the Supreme Court. Both the present
advocate general and his immediate predecessor had
failed to argue the case properly, thereby leading to
‘miscarriage of justice’ on the Muslim reservations
issue.

While the issue of five percent reservations for
Muslims in Andhra Pradesh is awaiting the Supreme
Court judgement, there are demands being made by
Muslims and other sections of the society – based on
the Sachar Committee findings on the sad state of
affairs of the Muslim community—for affirmative action
through the inclusion of the Muslims in the OBC list
and providing reservations for them in the entire
country. Our party supports the demand for
reservations for Muslims nation-wide on the basis of
their socio-economic and educational backwardness.

Telangana issue:

Neglect of Telangana and its backwardness in various
sectors over the last five decades is a fact which no
one can deny. At the same time, our party feels that
separate Telangana state cannot be the only solution.
There can be other options too. On behalf of Muslim
community, which comprises a population of 70 lakh as
per 2001 census in the state, our party has suggested
some short-term and long-term initiatives on
Telangana.

First and foremost, there is immediate need for
revival of regional development boards for all the
three regions—Telangana, Coastal Andhra and
Rayalaseema—to ensure that corrective steps are taken
to remove regional imbalances and disparities. Our
party also demands a special package for Telangana
region – with outlay of Rs 10,000 crore—to accelerate
the pace of development in various sectors in this
backward region. As the minorities—particularly
Muslims—are the most affected lot, a special package
for their socio-economic and educational upliftment is
also required. Our party also demands that GO 610
should be implemented in toto.

On the crucial issue of Telangana, our party feels
that the Muslims have as much stake over the future of
Andhra Pradesh as others-- the people and leaders of
Telangana and other regions. Our party insists that
the government and the ruling party at the Centre and
in the State should not take any decision on the
future of Andhra Pradesh, without ascertaining the
views and concerns of Muslim community in the state.

Our party has urged the UPA government to give due
weightage to the views of Muslim community on
Telangana issue. Our party also feels that to decide
on the future of Andhra Pradesh with reference to the
demand for separate Telangana state, this issue
requires proper and indepth study in the larger
perspective. Hence, our party is committed to the
demand that the Second States Reorganisation
Commission should be constituted to go into all the
aspects of Telangana, including the demand for
separate state.

In the meantime, our party would like the State
government to focus on the development of Telangana in
all fields and welfare of all sections of the people
in the region through higher allocations for
irrigation, power, agriculture, education, medicare
and welfare sectors.

We welcome the launching of work on various irrigation
projects in Telangana region in the last two and a
half years, establishment of Telangana University at
Nizamabad and the recent announcement for setting up
another university at Bhoodan Pochampally and a
government medical college and a university
engineering college in Telangana.

MIM Seeks Rs 20,000 Crore Package for Telangana

Majlis ittehadul Muslimeen President Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi with Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in Darussalam MiM Headquarters on Dec 30 1978.


MIM seeks Rs 20,000-cr package for Telangana


Hyderabad: Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi asked the state government to prevail upon the UPA government in getting a Rs 20,000-crore package each released to Telangana and Rayalaseema to reduce regional disparities accrued over the past few decades. Talking to reporters on the premises of the Assembly on Thursday, the Chandrayangutta legislator said it was high time the central government announced a special package to backward regions in the state. Citing an example, he said the extremist movement in the state always attracted youth from neglected regions due to the socio-economic disparities in the region. The movement always derived its strength from Telangana region rather than Rayalaseema, he said. The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen floor leader demanded the state government to implement GO 610 immediately in line with the six-point formula without diluting the presidential order. Taking a dig at the Telangana Rashtra Samithi for failing to live up to the state’ expectations, he criticised “the so-called champions of Telangana” for being satisfied with the land given to construct party office rather than getting statehood to Telangana. He said the MIM was closely monitoring political developments in the state and stated that their party was in favour of a united Andhra Pradesh with overall development of all regions. “But, we may change out stance depending on the developments,” he added. Akbaruddin was critical of the government’s decision to use funds received through the auction of land in Kokapet for implementing the various government schemes. He accused the government of using the auction money to fund irrigation projects in Andhra region. Majlis to weigh options Hyderabad: The Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) on Thursday said it will wait and watch developments on Telangana. Though it had opposed a separate Telangana state earlier, the MIM has decided to look into other options depending on the political scenario and come out with a clear stance in the next few days. “As a first step, the government should send back people of Coastal Andhra who are employed in Telangana by implementing GO 610. Also, announce a welfare package, including irrigation projects on a warfooting,” MIM floor leader in the Assembly Akbaruddin Owaisi told TOI. MIM chief Sultan Salauddin Owaisi had convened a meeting of religious organisations and institutions at Darussalam to review the political development. The meeting was attended by all five MIM MLAs, representatives of Tameer-e-Millat, Ulama-e-Deccan, Jamia Nizamia, Amaarat Millat-e-Islamia and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind under the banner of Joint Action Committee of Muslims. “The MIM will not support the Telangana movement led by TRS,” said MIM president Salauddin Owaisi after the meeting. “Since the issue is not so simple, the party will look into various options to ensure that our stance would not go against the interests of Muslims,” he said.

Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen Repersenting the Prime Ministers High level Committee on Minorities Issue

MiM President Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi giving Away Bags and Money to poor Muslim Students From Mim Educational Fund.
Asaduddin Owaisi Mp and Akbaruddin Owaisi Mla representing the Prime Ministers High level committee on Minorities Issue . Date :- 04-06-05
To The Hon’ble Chairman & Members of Prime Minister’s High Level Committee New Delhli . Dear Sirs ,We welcome the visit of the Prime Minister’s High-Powered Committee on Minorities to the historic city of Hyderabad. We take the opportunity to profusely thank the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, for constituting this committee to go into the socio-economic and educational conditions of the minorities. We also express our gratitude to your esteemed chairmen and members of the Committee for giving up this opportunity to make this representation.It is a matter of satisfaction that the UPA government at the Centre and the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh have launched several initiatives aimed at amelioration of the status of minorities during their first year in office. The Congress manifesto for 2004 Assembly polls made certain promises for the overall development and well-being of minorities. Keeping this in view, we would like to make suggestions to the panel on its specific terms of reference.As you know, the minorities account for a population of 84 lakh, constituting 11.2 percent of the total population of Andhra Pradesh, as per the 2001 census. Muslims constitute the biggest minority community in the state, with a population of 70 lakh or 9.2 percent of the total population. The population of minorities is largely urban-based. Minorities constitute about nine percent of the total rural population and as high as 22 percent of the total urban population in the state.As a political party representing the hopes and aspirations of Muslim community, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has been striving to impress upon the successive governments to fulfill their constitutional obligations to protect the educational, economic, social and cultural rights of the minorities and work for the upliftment of their socio-economic status. The state government has laid emphasis on the progress and empowerment of minorities and many schemes and policies have been put in place to ensure this in the last two decades or more.Yet, you may agree that a large segment of Muslim population in the state, as elsewhere in the country, lives below poverty line. Their share in various economic support schemes has been very low compared to their proportion of population. Muslims in general and their womenfolk in particular are very backward—economically, educationally and socially. Thus, this single largest minority community is characterized by rampant poverty and illiteracy due to economic deprivation, educational backwardness and social discrimination.Various welfare schemes undertaken by the successive governments for the benefit of minorities over the last five decades could not help ameliorate the conditions of Muslims owing to either ineffective implementation or lax monitoring. On the other hand, the Muslim community finds itself pushed deeper into the vicious circle of socio-economic and educational backwardness now.All the same, the advancement of minorities in general and Muslims in particular requires attention from both the Union government and the state government. Various components that necessarily contribute to confidence building among minorities include education, economic development, eradication of sense of discrimination, social and cultural development, promotion of Urdu language and thrust on the all-round development of minority women, as was pointed out in the Congress manifesto.Almost 58 percent of the 70 lakh Muslims in the state reside in urban areas and the remaining 42 percent in rural areas, as per the 2001 census. Muslims account for 19.5 percent of the total urban population and 5.3 percent of the total rural population in the state. In all, 55.15 percent of the Muslims live in Telangana region, 24.20 percent in Rayalaseema and 20.65 percent in coastal Andhra.Going by the census data for 2001, the proportion of population in the 0-6 age-group is 14.9 percent among Muslims as against the average of 13.3 for all religious communities. The literacy rate among Muslims is 68 percent as against the state’s average of 60.5 percent. The male literacy rate among Muslims is 76.5 percent as against the state average of 70.3 percent. Similarly, the female literacy rate among Muslims is 59.1 percent as against the state average of 50.4 percent.However, the work participation rate among Muslims is, however, lower at 33.8 percent as against the state average of 45.8 percent. The work participation rate among Muslim males is only 50.1 percent as against the state average of 56.2 percent. The work participation rate among Muslim females is only 16.8 percent as against the state average of 35.1 percent. This means that much of the potential workforce in the Muslim community—both males and females—is idle. In other words, unemployment is higher among Muslims than the rest of the population in the state.The distribution of category of workers suggests that there are lesser numbers of cultivators and agricultural labourers among Muslims (that is, 7.4 percent and 21.8 percent as against the state average of 22.5 percent and 39.6 percent) mainly because the community is largely urban-based. Consequently, the proportion of household industry workers and other categories of workers at 6.1 percent and 64.6 percent is higher than the average of 4.7 percent and 33.1 percent for all communities.A number of research studies have shown that the minorities residing in the state are economically and educationally backward. A recent study by Commissionerate for Minorities Welfare on socio-economic and educational conditions of Muslims only confirms what the previous studies and surveys have highlighted all along that an overwhelming majority of Muslims lives in abject poverty, social and educational backwardness.AP State Minorities Commission conducted a comprehensive study on the socio-economic conditions of minorities in the state wayback in 1989. A team led by Prof Abbas Ali of Osmania University conducted the study. The survey brought out the negligible share of Muslims in various sectors and all walks of life across Andhra Pradesh.There is no doubt that the living conditions, occupational profile, income and literacy levels and participation in social activities of Muslims have been quite pathetic. The 2004 study by the Commissionerate of Minorities Welfare has pointed out that almost two-thirds of the Muslims are living below poverty line with annual incomes below Rs 11,000 and another one-sixth of the Muslims are living in somewhat humane conditions with annual incomes of Rs 44,000 or below.The study by the Commissionerate of Minorities Welfare further revealed that most of the Muslims are engaged in petty business activity like running pan shops or chai dukaan, selling fruits or flowers or working as labourers in engineering workshops, watch servicing and repairs of radio and TV. The rural-based Muslims are mainly artisans. The study further noted that the socio-economic conditions of Muslims deteriorated over the decades due to poverty, illiteracy and inadequate representation in various fields of society.The recommendation for inclusion of Muslims among backward classes and provision of reservations for them in educational institutions and employment was made wayback in 1979 by the first chairman of AP State Minorities Commission Justice M A Ansari. The successive chairmen of the Commission have reiterated the recommendation over the last 26 years but without success.Both the Congress and Telugu Desam governments set up cabinet sub-committees on minorities welfare and launched several measures for socio-economic upliftment of minorities based on these reports. The Congress government headed by Kotla Vijayabhaskar Reddy issued the Government Order No. 86 in 1994, extending non-statutory benefits to Muslim students on the lines of backward classes.The Congress government constituted the AP Commission for Backward Classes through an enactment No.20 of 1993 to go into the requests for inclusion of various castes and communities, including the Muslims, in the list of Backward Classes. The BC Commission, with an initial tenure of three years, started functioning under the chairmanship of Justice K S Puttuswamy on March 31, 1994. The Commission was reconstituted for three more years from March 1997 and was given extension from time to time up to September 30, 2002.As many as 109 castes and communities, including Muslims, sought their inclusion as Backward Classes while 36 castes in the existing list of BCs sought change from one group to another. The BC Commission took almost eight and a half years to examine the claims and collect the data but could not finalise its report.Before we proceed further, let us briefly mention administrative and organizational set-up in place in the AP government for the welfare and development of the minorities. Andhra Pradesh is one of the few states to have a full-fledged Commissionerate for Minorities Welfare. The Commissionerate, with district minority welfare offices in 12 minority-concentrated districts in the state, is entrusted the task of implementing various schemes for the minorities and ensuring proper utilization of funds being earmarked by the government for the welfare of minorities, besides coordinating and supervising the activities of other bodies and institutions concerned with minorities.The Secretary to Government, Minorities Welfare Department at the Secretariat level, works as Ex-officio Commissioner, Minorities Welfare and he is assisted by an assistant commissioner at the state headquarters. Each district minority welfare office is headed by district minority welfare office, assisted by supporting staff.AP is also one of the few states to have a full-fledged Minorities Commission, an Urdu Academy, a State Minorities Finance Corporation and State Wakf Board.The AP State Minorities Commission was established in 1979 to ensure that the minorities are not discriminated against. The government accorded statutory status to the State Minorities Commission as per AP State Minorities Commission Act No. 31 of 1998 under the chairmanship of a retired judge of the High Court.The government in 1975 constituted the Urdu Academy, AP, with three regional centers at Vijayawada, Kurnool and Nizamabad to preserve and promote Urdu language and literature. The Academy has been undertaking a number of activities for the development of Urdu language. Besides providing scholarships to Urdu medium students and those studying Urdu as second language, the Academy extends financial assistance to Urdu libraries, undertakes translation of books of other languages in Urdu, publishes Urdu journals and gives away awards to best Urdu students and teachers.The three regional centers and 15 district centers run reading rooms and libraries, provide Urdu coaching and impart training in Urdu calligraphy. The Academy provides financial assistance to Urdu libraries and for printing of Urdu manuscripts, gives away lifetime achievement award, arranges grant-in-aid to organizations working for cultural development of minorities and runs 25 computer training institutes throughout the state to impart computer courses to minority candidates. As many as 570 Urdu-ghars-cum-shadikhnas (community halls) are being constructed all over the state for the convenience of minorities.The AP State Minorities Finance Corporation was established in 1985 to assist weaker sections of minorities for their economic development. The Corporation extends financial assistance under four schemes: economic assistance, Tatkal, micro credit and construction of worksheds. The Corporation is also entrusted the implementation of several other programmes, such as extension of non-statutory benefits like scholarships to minority students, development of minority women and children in urban areas, training and employment programmes and assistance to voluntary organizations for health camps etc.AP State Wakf Board is one of the biggest wakf boards in the country in terms of Wakf institutions numbering over 35,000 managed through mutawallies, managing committees and by direct management of the Board. The Wakf institutions have vast properties throughout the state. The Wakf Board has been striving for a long time to develop wakf properties. However, it encountered a number of problems on many fronts. The non-availability of requisite funds is one of the reasons for the inordinate delays in the development of wakf properties.The Wakf Board undertakes repairs, renovation, and protection of wakf institutions. It also prepares plans and schemes for developing of wakf properties. Under the provisions of Muslim Women (Divorce and Protection) Act 1986, the Wakf Board sanctions maintenance allowance to divorced Muslim women. The Board also looks after the maintenance of Haj House, constructed by the government at an outlay of Rs 10 crore to provide accommodation facilities to Haj pilgrims to stay in for completion of required international travel formalities for proceeding for Haj.AP government unveiled the Policy for the Advancement of Minorities in February 1996 and announced a comprehensive welfare package for minorities called “Roshni” in 1999. The government has also made Urdu as second official language in 13 districts. A Legislative Committee on Welfare of Minorities has been constituted to oversee the implementation of programmes for the welfare of minorities. A separate demand has been created in the state budget for activities and programmes meant exclusively for minorities.Reservations for Muslims in public employment and educational institutions was the key promise made by the Congress on the eve of 2004 Assembly elections. In fact, the Congress manifesto for the state spelt out 10 promises for the minorities. Though the government took the initiative to provide five percent reservations for Muslims through their inclusion in the list of backward classes in July 2004, the same could not be implemented as the matter ended in the AP High Court, which struck down the GO but directed that the issue be examined by AP Backward Classes Commission within a specified time-frame.The state government has reconstituted the AP Backward Classes Commission and given it the task of finalizing its recommendations on inclusion of Muslims in BC list for the purpose of reservations. The BC Commission is in the process of finalizing its report on issue of reservations for Muslims after assessing the socio-economic conditions of Muslims. The government has promised to implement a foolproof reservations policy for Muslims from the 2005-06 academic year.Among other things, the Congress has promised to revive the 15-Point programme for minorities announced by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and to put in place a monitoring mechanism devised by late Rajiv Gandhi for its implementation. The Congress also assured to safeguard the Muslim Personal Law and to take steps for implementation of Urdu as second official language in 13 districts. The Congress promised to substantially increase the budgetary allocations for Minorities Welfare.The state has made a budgetary allocation of Rs 49 crore for minorities welfare in the current year (2005-06) as against Rs 39 crore in the previous year. But the outlay for minorities welfare works out to not even one-tenth of one percent of the state budget. We have put forth our demand to the state government to increase this allocation to Rs 100 crore annually and progressively increase it further, since Muslims and other minorities constitute 11.2 percent of the state’s population and the state budget size is a whopping Rs 55,442 crore in the current year. Even the allocation of Rs 100 crore will only be a pittance, considering the gigantic size of the state budget and the appalling socio-economic conditions of Muslims.Even if the budgetary allocation for minorities welfare is raised to Rs 100 crore a year, it will only work out to one-fifth of one percent of the state budget. However, we believe that it will make a lot of difference to the minorities who are steeped in utter poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and other socio-economic problems. The previous Telugu Desam government had launched “Roshni” for the minorities but the Congress government has done little to spread the “Roshni” further.Among other things, the Congress manifesto assured that special measures would be taken to provide self-employment to youth among minorities through AP State Minorities Finance Corporation by additional allocations in the State Budget. Apart from release of margin money, the Congress promised steps for release of bank loans to the beneficiaries. But, nothing has been done to fulfil this promise. The investments in the Minorities Finance Corporation for economic assistance, Tatkal and micro-credit schemes have been pegged at Rs 14.10 crore both in 2004-05 and 2005-06.Our party has been demanding direct disbursement of scholarships to minority students and direct sanction of loans for self-employment schemes and anti-poverty programmes to minorities through the AP State Minorities Finance Corporation. In the old-age pensions also, a specific quota should be earmarked for the minorities. Thousands of elderly Muslim men and women are destitute and they are not cared for by anybody. The government must sanction old age pensions for them.To provide equal opportunities to minority women, the Congress had assured to constitute a separate minority women welfare corporation for their upliftment and improvement of educational and socio-economic conditions and for creation of employment opportunities. Now, this promise has been “dropped” on the ground that it was not found to be feasible. We suggest that the government must either provide additional funds to AP State Minorities Finance Corporation for the purpose or earmark a separate quota for assisting the minority women under the aegis of AP Women’s Cooperative Finance Corporation.While promising concrete and positive steps for educational development and welfare of minorities, the Congress has assured to establish one ITI, a polytechnic and a residential school for minorities in each district of the state. This promise, too, remains unfulfilled. Only the allocation for scholarships for minority students has been raised from Rs four crore in 2004-05 to Rs 10 crore in the current year.On the other hand, the allocations for other schemes such as development of minority women and children in rural and urban areas, integrated development minorities in Old city of Hyderabad and assistance to voluntary organizations for organizing health camps remain meager at a little over Rs two crore in the current year.The Congress promised to activate the minority institutions to encourage minorities to take up entrepreneurship and provide them necessary help for improving their levels of education. These institutions are supposed to provide vocational training to the minorities. But the overall allocations for schemes such as promotion of entrepreneurship among minorities, vocational training for minority women and youth, participation of minorities in competitive examinations and improvement of classroom performance of school children among minorities remains static at Rs one crore in the current year.The Congress has assured to safeguard and develop the wakf properties, to give executive powers to the Wakf Board on par with the Hindu Endowments Act and to provide funds for construction of shadikhanas and repairs to masjids, graveyards, etc. However, the allocations towards grants-in-aid to AP State Wakf Board for development of wakf properties and wakf institutions, maintenance of Haj House and assistance to Muslim divorced women remain static at less than Rs two crore. Only for the repairs and maintenance, the grants have been raised from Rs 3.29 crore to Rs 4.35 crore this year.So far as the AP Urdu Academy is concerned, the allocations remain static for awareness programme, cultural development of minorities, AP Open Urdu schools, and provision of infrastructure facilities in Urdu schools. Only for the promotion of Urdu, vocational training in Urdu computer education and for construction of Urdu ghar-cum-shadikhanas, the allocations have been raised to Rs 8.73 crore in the current year from Rs 5.4 crore in the previous year.Despite the previous government according second official language status to Urdu in 13 out of 23 districts in the state, this decision virtually remains on paper. There is no monitoring of the implementation of Urdu as second official language.The Congress government is yet to fullfil its promise to take effective steps for the implementation of Urdu as second official language. Hence, our party has requested the government to set up a separate cell in the Official Language Commission to monitor the implementation of Urdu as second official language.The Congress also assured that the allotment of houses for minorities in the weaker sections housing schemes would be according to their population in respective areas. The Congress has promised to construct 40 lakh houses under weaker sections housing programme in five years, including six lakh houses in 2004-05 and 6.5 lakh houses in the current year. Similarly, under the Rajiv Gruha Kalpa scheme, the government has proposed to take up two lakh houses around Hyderabad-Secunderabad and other major cities in the state.The weaker sections housing policy provides for earmarking seven percent of the houses for minorities in rural areas and 20 percent for the minorities in urban areas. We have told the government of the urgent need to strictly implement the quota earmarked for minorities in rural and urban housing schemes, since there are reports from the districts that this is not being done at present. We have demanded that the quota of 20 percent for minorities in urban housing programme should also be extended to Rajiv Gruha Kalpa scheme.Under the scheme for provision of house sites to weaker sections, the government has earmarked a quota of 10 percent for minorities but the district authorities are seldom following this stipulation. We are told that house-sites were distributed to 10 lakh beneficiaries in 2003-04 and two lakh in 2004-05. The target is for distribution of two lakh house-sites in the current year. We have represented to the government to strictly implement this quote for the minorities.The government runs as many as 1,429 hostels for the Backward Classes. Orders have been issued for three percent reservation to the minorities in the BC hostels out of the 10 percent quota earmarked for other communities. But this quota for minority students is not being provided in many hostels. We have urged the government to take immediate steps to enforce this quota for the minorities in the BCs hostels.For generating employment opportunities for the youth, the Congress government has revamped and renamed the Chief Minister’s Empowerment of Youth (CMEY) scheme as Rajiv Yuvashakti programme with a promise to cover one lakh youth during 2004-05 and another 1.5 lakh youth in the current year. Our party has demanded that a proportionate quota of 11 percent should be earmarked for youth belonging to minorities, mainly Muslims, under the Rajiv Yuvashakti programme.The state government created a record by distributing 1.55 lakh acres of land to 1.12 lakh landless poor on the Republic Day this year. But the minorities have hardly benefited from the scheme. Not even one percent of the beneficiaries belonged to minorities though they constitute 20 percent of the rural population. Another 50 lakh acres of land is available for distribution. We have asked the government to earmark 20 percent share for minorities in distribution of lands.The government has to do a lot to improve the condition of government schools in Hyderabad-Secunderabad, which are in very bad shape. Just as the Social Welfare, Tribal Welfare and Backward Welfare Departments are running residential schools and junior colleges for SCs, STs and BCs, we have requested the government to entrust the responsibility to Minorities Welfare Department to open and run exclusive residential schools for minorities. Alternatively, we suggested that specific quotas should be earmarked for minorities in the BC residential schools.There are 1.5 lakh acres of valuable lands attached to Wakf institutions throughout the state. The total value of the Wakf properties at prevailing market rates is estimated at Rs 36,000 crore. However, 81,591 acres of Wakf lands have been encroached in different places in the state. Two House Committees of AP Legislative Assembly, in their reports submitted in 1997 and 1999, have confirmed the encroachments.The state government has constituted the AP Wakf Tribunal under the Wakf Act, 1995, for determination of any dispute, question or other matter relating to a wakf or wakf properties. The tribunal has started functioning from September 1997 but it has proved ineffective in dealing with the menace of encroachments of wakf properties. We have asked the government to provide more powers to the tribunal so that it can evict the encroachers after summary trials. The government has commissioned a second survey of wakf properties in the state. The first survey was done in the 1960s. The second survey may provide authentic data on the encroachments on wakf properties now. But we are not satisfied with the 2nd Survey Wakf because the staff has no requisite qualification of Urdu knowledge and the measurements are not being taken with reference to relevant documents, revenue and other records. These defects should be rectified.The AIMIM has been demanding a substantial increase in budgetary allocation to Rs 25 crore to Quli Qutub Shah Urban Development Authority, which was constituted by the government in 1981 as a special body for the accelerated development of civic amenities in the Old City of Hyderabad, which is currently home to over 15 lakh Muslims living in pathetic conditions. The previous Telugu Desam government neglected the Old City and QQSUDA.But there has been no increase in annual budgetary allocation for QQSUDA after the Congress came to power last year. Our party has sought higher financial allocations for QSUDA and a special package of Rs 100 crore for quicker implementation of developmental activities in Old City of Hyderabad, which will go a long way in upliftment of Muslims and upgradation of their living conditions in the state capital.We earnestly request you to consider all these issues and suggestions highlighted by us. We sincerely hope that you will take cognizance of the facts and data brought before you through this representation and make suitable recommendations while finalizing your report.
Thanking you
Yours truly
Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen