Dy CM admits of irregularities in 'Shaadi Mubarak' scheme

Hyderabad, Nov 10 (INN): Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali has admitted of several irregularities in the implementation of 'Shaadi Mubarak' scheme of Telangana Government.

Addressing the 'Meet the Press' programme organised by Telangana Union of Working Journalist here on Tuesday, the Deputy CM said many irregularities have come to the notice of the State Government in the implementation of 'Shaadi Mubarak' scheme. Citing instances, he said amounts of Rs. 50,000 each were deposited twice in the accounts of as many 117 beneficiaries in the city. Of them, 70 applicants were from the Malakpet constituency alone. He said a three-member committee, led by Anti-Corruption Bureau Director General Abdul Khayyum Khan, is probing into the matter and stern action would be taken against the guilty. He said that the TRS Government would not tolerate any form of corruption and irregularities.

Replying to questions related to TRS Government's promise of providing 12% reservation for Muslims in jobs and education, the Deputy CM said that the State Government has already constituted Sudhir Commission to study the backwardness of Muslims in the State. Immediately after the submission of Sudhir Commission's report, the government will constitute a Backward Classes Commission as a prelude to provide 12% Muslim reservation. He said Backward Classes constitute nearly 85% of the total population in Telangana and therefore, the TRS Government is confident of getting relaxation in the 50% ceiling on reservation set by the Supreme Court.

Mahmood Ali said that the Sudhir Commission was holding a session with experts on November 14. He said he would request the Commission to conduct one or two more hearings in Hyderabad to accept more representations on the issue. He said, if required, the TRS Government would make a representation with the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre to support the 12% Muslim reservation.

The Deputy CM also announced that there would be no hike in Property Tax in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits during the TRS regime. He said that the nominated posts would be filled after the forthcoming GHMC elections.

Mahmood Ali strongly defended the style of functioning of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and denied allegations of KCR behaving like a dictator. He said all the ministers have complete freedom and there was no interference by KCR or any of his family members in the functioning of the government.

He also assured that the State Government would take action against the policemen if they are found guilty in Alair encounter.

TUWJ President Shoukat Ali Sufi and other office bearers were also present during the 'Meet The Press' programme.