The total number of beneficiaries and the subsequent burden on the state exchequer is yet to be calculated. The detailed guidelines of the scheme to select beneficiaries and the eligibility criteria would be announced shortly, particularly occupation of beneficiaries for purchase of equipment for business.
This is going to be phase-wise and it’s unlikely that this process will be completed before the assembly elections. Backward castes comprise over 52% of Telangana’s population while Muslims constitute 12.75%, Christians 1.27%, Sikhs and Buddhists 0.09% each, and Jains 0.08%, as per 2011 census. While Telangana State Christian Minority Corporation will extend the benefit to Christians, the State Minority Corporation has been entrusted with the responsibility of identifying beneficiaries among Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis. CM KCR said the scheme for minorities was another milestone towards economic self-reliance. “The state government is making efforts to eliminate poverty among citizens, irrespective of caste and religion. Telangana is a role model for the country in implementation of welfare schemes and development programmes for minorities. After statehood, the government launched a slew of schemes for their socio-economic empowerment modelled around the concept of ‘Sarva Dharma Samabhavana’,” KCR said.
The CM reiterated the state government’s commitment to minority welfare and eradicating poverty and backwardness through schemes and support programmes in education and employment.