The Congress government under CM Revanth Reddy in Telangana launched a set of minority schemes in Hyderabad on February 18, including one-time subsidy cheques of up to ₹50,000, distribution of e-scooters with 80% subsidy, mopeds for Muslim groups, and livelihood support measures.
The schemes were launched by Minorities Welfare & Public Enterprises Minister Mohammed Azharuddin, Adviser to Government (SC, ST, BC & MW) Mohammed Ali Shabbir, and Telangana Minorities Finance Corporation Chairman Mohd Obedulla.
Key schemes and benefits
E-scooters with 80% subsidy
Minority youth will receive e-scooters with a unit cost of up to ₹1.50 lakh, with 80% subsidy provided by the corporation and the remaining 20% to be borne by beneficiaries under youth empowerment efforts.
Tool kits and generators
Members of the Turka Kasha Muslim minority community will be provided tool kits and generators worth up to ₹60,000 as a one-time grant to support self-employment and income generation.
₹50,000 one-time subsidy cheques
Under the “Indiramma Minority Mahila Yojana Scheme”, 100% subsidy cheques of up to ₹50,000 per beneficiary are being distributed as a one-time grant to minority women.
Sewing machines for women
Sewing machines are being distributed to minority women under the “Indiramma Minority Mahila Shakti Scheme” to support livelihood activities.
Skill development work orders
Work orders have been issued for commencement of skill development training programmes for minority youth.
Mopeds for Muslim groups
On the occasion, mopeds were distributed to members of the Muslim Fakheer, Dudekula and other vulnerable Muslim minority groups residing in the state.
The government order refers to beneficiaries “residing in the state”, which observers note differs from specifying “resident of the state”, raising concerns that the provision could potentially allow inclusion of non-Telangana residents as beneficiaries.
Since Congress came into power in Telangana in 2023, CM Revanth Reddy has launched several schemes particularly aimed at Muslims to solidify the Muslim vote bank. Recently, Revanth Reddy also claimed that Congress means Muslims and Muslims mean Congress.
Observers note that whenever welfare schemes are announced, CM Revanth Reddy, the Deputy CM and ministers attend the programmes; however, when they are aimed at Muslims, only Muslim ministers grace the occasion, keeping CM away from media attention and avoiding scrutiny over appeasement politics.
