State govt. committed to economic and political empowerment of Muslims: CM

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the economic and political empowerment of Muslims on the occasion of Ramadan on Monday.

Participating in the Iftar hosted by the government in the city, Mr. Naidu said that during the 21 months of the coalition government several welfare schemes had been implemented for minorities. Under NTR Bharosa, social security pensions amounting to ₹3,511 crore were being provided every year to 4.38 lakh Muslims.

Under Thalliki Vandanam, financial assistance was being extended to 4.50 lakh Muslim students. A sum of ₹180 crore was being distributed annually to Imams and Mouzams, with each receiving ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Eligible Imams were also being appointed as government Kazis, he said.

The Chief Minister said the government was giving priority to skill development programmes for Muslim youth to help them secure better employment opportunities. He added that steps were also being taken to protect Waqf properties and a survey was currently under way.

Mr. Naidu said the allocation for minorities had been increased from ₹5,434 crore in the previous Budget to ₹6,090 crore in the Budget for FY 2026-27. Urdu had also been declared the second official language, he added.

Minister for Minorities and Law and Justice N. Md. Farooq and others were present.