A.P. CM reaffirms commitment to Minority welfare

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday (November 11, 2025) reiterated his government’s commitment to the upliftment of minorities and inclusive development.

He was speaking at the Minority Welfare Day celebrations held to mark 136th birth anniversary of India’s first Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Tuesday. He paid tributes to Maulana Azad, along with Minister Farooq, minority representatives, and several corporation chairpersons.

During the event, Mr. Naidu presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Syed Nasheed Ahmed and felicitated several teachers who were recognised for excellence in their profession. He said that the joint celebration of Minority Welfare Day and National Education Day was a tribute to Maulana Azad’s enduring legacy.

Mr. Naidu said that the NDA government was committed to the welfare of Minorities. He assured free education to Minority girls up to Intermediate, construction of Haj buildings in Kadapa and Vijayawada, one lakh financial assistance to Haj pilgrims.

He asserted that he always tried to protect the interests of Minorities and as part of it set up Minority Welfare Board with a fund of ₹5,434 crore. He said 175 Urdu teachers were appointed through DSC and assured to develop Minority children as global leaders by providing good education.

Steps will be taken to protect Wakf properties, he said, adding that qualified Imams will be appointed as Khajis before March 2026 after completion of verification. He promised to launch Haj pilgrimage from Vijayawada Haj house from next year. He said ₹100 crpre will be allotted to Noorbasha corporation.

The Chief Minister promised to provide a monthly allocation of ₹5,000 to each Masjid soon. He said Wakf properties will be digitalised.

He said on the occasion of Minorities Welfare Day celebrations awards were presented to several persons who made efforts for development of Urdu language. As part, ₹2.5 lakh was presented under Moulana Azad National award and ₹1.25 lakh towards Abdul Hak award. He also presented ₹1 lakh each to four sports persons and ₹10 lakh each to 66 best teachers. The Chief Minister presented ₹5,000 each to 58 best students.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Naidu said, “Maulana Azad was the visionary who laid the foundation for the nation’s knowledge economy. It was under his leadership that the first IIT was established in 1951. We must all take inspiration from such great leaders.”

He said that his government was taking equal care of welfare and development, despite temporary financial constraints. He reiterated that Andhra Pradesh remains the only State providing pensions of ₹4,000, ₹6,000, and ₹15,000 to various categories of beneficiaries.

Mr. Naidu expressed strong displeasure over the way the previous YSRCP government tarnished Andhra Pradesh’s hard-earned brand image. He said his government is working tirelessly to restore investor confidence and rebuild the State’s reputation as a hub for progress and prosperity. “The previous rulers have destroyed the brand image of Andhra Pradesh. We are now regaining the trust of people and investors alike. Whenever I find anyone dissatisfied, I personally look into the reason and ensure the problem is resolved.”

Reflecting on his long tenure, he said, “I have been able to serve as Chief Minister for so many years only because of people’s affection and faith. I will always remain your own and stand by you in all matters.” The Chief Minister added that he considers himself blessed by God to have the opportunity to serve the people and the State.

The Chief Minister recalled that he had supported Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s candidature for the presidency and reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of minorities. “I will work for your progress and always stand by you,” he said, highlighting various welfare measures undertaken for minorities during the previous TDP regime in the undivided State.