Promised funds yet to reach Urdu schools

Hyderabad: Funds promised for improving the government-run Urdu schools remain a pipedream. 

Officials cite lack of funds as an excuse for the delay though two years have passed since it was announced by Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Ali. 

There are about 1,561 government Urdu schools in the state. About 1.38 lakh students study there. 

Two years ago, the Telangana State Urdu Academy invited applications for granting Rs 50,000 each to the schools. The academy had plans to provide funds to 500 schools. 

“All headmasters of the government-run schools applied. The schools are in a bad shape and on the verge of closure because of improper facilities,” said Mr Farooq Tahir, state secretary, Telangana Teachers’ Union. 

Last week, Mr A.K. Khan, advisor to the government on minorities affairs, inspected the Urdu schools in the city and found students are sitting on the floor due to lack of benches. 

“There are problems in the schools and something will be done in this regard. Several students from poor families are studying in these schools,” Mr Khan said. 

Mr Mohamed Shukoor, director of the Telangana State Urdu Academy, said that the government had not allocated any funds for the schools. 

“If the funds are released we will release the financial assistance to the schools,” he said. 

Social activist Mr Ather Moin said that the government is not sincere in upgrading the facilities. “Mere inspections and announcement will not help,” said  Mr Moin.