Andhra Pradesh Releases Rs 90 Crore for Imam and Muezzin Honorariums as Naidu Unveils Minority Welfare Pledges
The disbursal follows fresh National Education Day promises spanning education, Haj facilities, Wakf protection, plus institutional support.
Overview
- State Finance Secretary V. Vinay Chand issued orders on Wednesday releasing Rs 90 crore for monthly honorariums to imams and muezzins.
- Minorities Welfare Minister N. Md Farooq said the funds cover January–September 2025 and clear pending payments for April–June 2024, fulfilling the Chief Minister’s pledge within 24 hours.
- Naidu’s new commitments include free education for minority girls up to intermediate and Rs 1 lakh in assistance for Haj pilgrims.
- The Chief Minister also promised Haj buildings in Kadapa and Vijayawada and said pilgrim departures would begin from the Vijayawada Haj House next year, subject to implementation.
- Further assurances included protection and digitalisation of Wakf properties, an allocation of Rs 100 crore to Noorbasha Corporation, and a plan to provide Rs 5,000 per month to mosques.