Telangana: Paucity of funds delays Urdu ghar

Hyderabad: Poor planning has resulted in inordinate delays in the implementation of the much-hyped Urdu Ghar-cum-Shaadi Khana Scheme taken up for the benefit of the minority community. Of the 54 buildings to be constructed over a period of five years, only ten have been completed so far. Such buildings are being constructed in-minority dominated mandals. “One of the reasons that the construction is proceeding slowly is the improper allocation of funds. The government is not releasing funds on time, and this is resulting in a delay in the completion of works,” says an official from the Minorities Welfare Department.

The government allocates Rs 10 crore per year for the construction of these buildings. The amount is received by the Telangana State Urdu Academy, which transfers it to the District Collectors, who in turn use it to pay the contractors. Meanwhile, the costs of construction have in-creased and contractors are now demanding a revision of their dues. These buildings are being constructed to serve as venues for promotion of the Urdu language through the organisation of programmes.