KCR extends free power sop to Muslim washerfolk

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, in the run-up to Assembly polls, announced a scheme to provide free electricity of up to 250 units to dhobi ghats and laundry shops owned by Muslim washer-folk in the state. The scheme has already been in place since 2021 for washermen belonging to Backward Castes (BCs), which has now been extended to the Muslim community.

Accordingly, the department of minorities welfare issued orders dated September 19 to this effect. The orders stated that Hyderabad Lok Sabha member Asaduddin Owaisi made a representation to the government that there were groups of Muslim washerfolk engaged in the profession and needed benefits similar to BCs.

“Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao immediately ordered for extending the same benefit to Muslim dhobis for their dhobi ghats and laundry shops,” the orders stated.

The Telangana Washermen Cooperative Societies Federation Ltd and the BC welfare department were directed to take necessary action for the implementation of the scheme for the Muslim community.

The minorities welfare department appealed to all Muslims engaged in the washing profession to apply for the benefit, for their dhobi ghats and laundry shops. It stated that the details of applications, where to apply and certificates required will be informed shortly.