TRS Govt targeting Muslim officials: Congress

Hyderabad, July 20 (INN): TPCC Official Spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin has accused the TRS Government of harassing the Muslim officials and staff working in Minorities Welfare Department.

The TPCC Spokesperson, in a media statement issued on Wednesday, alleged that the ministers and other TRS leaders were harassing the Muslims officials to the extent that they were either going on long leave or seeking transfer to other departments. He said that Wakf Board's Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Asadullah went on long leave due to alleged pressure by Wakf mafia which enjoys the political patronage of TRS and MIM leaders. Instead of supporting the senior official, the TRS Government was directly or indirectly supporting the anti-social elements who are intimidating the officials and staff of Minorities Welfare Department.

Further, Nizamuddin condemned Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali for rebuking senior IAS officer and MWD Secretary Syed Omer Jaleel in full public view for appointing an incharge CEO of Wakf Board. "The Deputy CM did not even realise that Omer Jaleel, as the Competent Authority of Wakf Board, was authorised to appoint an incharge CEO. However, Mahmood Ali tried to insult Omer Jaleel in a public event only because he did not consult him before making the appointment," he said.

The Congress leader alleged that the TRS ministers and leaders were using intimidation and humiliation as a tool to harass Muslim officials in the State Government. He said that their behaviour towards senior officials clearly shows the lack of seriousness of TRS Government towards Minorities Welfare Department. "TRS Government did not spend even 50% of amounts allocated in budgets of 2014-15 and 2015-16 for minorities' welfare. This year too, the spending is not adequate. The major reason cited for non-spending of budget was inadequate staff in Minorities Welfare Department. Instead of filling up vacant posts, the TRS Government is trying to shoo away existing efficient officials from the MWD.

Nizamuddin also expressed concern over Prof. Shukoor being assigned the additional responsibility of Wakf Board CEO. "Prof. Shukoor is already holding five major posts. He is the Professor and Head of the Urdu Department in Nizam College, Director of Centre for Educational Development of Minorities, Secretary and Director of AP State Urdu Academy, General Secretary of Idara-e-Adabiyat-e-Urdu and Special Officer of State Haj Committee. It is incorrect on the part government to burden a teacher with six major responsibilities. It should depute more number of senior officials in the MWD," he said.

The TPCC Spokesperson warned of protest if TRS ministers and leaders do not stop harassing the officials. He also demanded that the State Government immediately initiate the process to fill all vacancies in the Minorities Welfare Department.