Hyderabad, May 8 (TNT): Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday announced that the State Government would bear the additional financial burden faced by Haj pilgrims this year due to increased air travel costs arising from the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Flagging off buses carrying Haj pilgrims at the Haj House in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister said aviation fuel prices had increased significantly in recent months, resulting in higher airfare for pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia.
To ensure that Haj pilgrims were not burdened by the increased costs, the Telangana Government had decided to absorb the additional expenditure, he said.
Revanth Reddy stated that his government respected all religions and considered Hindus and Muslims as brothers.
Referring to concerns over voter deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, the Chief Minister alleged that attempts were being made to remove voter names in Telangana under the guise of the exercise.
He appealed to people to remain united and oppose such practices.
The Chief Minister also recalled last year’s tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia in which 44 Haj pilgrims lost their lives and said the State Government had provided compensation of ₹5 lakh each to the families of the deceased pilgrims.
Highlighting minority welfare initiatives, Mr Revanth Reddy said minorities were receiving their due share in welfare programmes and employment opportunities.
He added that scholarships were also being provided to minority students pursuing higher education abroad.
Speaking about environmental initiatives and livelihood support, the Chief Minister announced that the government would provide free retrofitting services for auto-rickshaws operating within the Outer Ring Road limits in Hyderabad to convert them into electric vehicles.
He noted that a large number of minorities in Hyderabad depended on auto-rickshaws for their livelihood and said the move would help reduce fuel expenses and improve earnings.
The Chief Minister further said there was increasing global demand for skilled blue-collar workers, particularly in countries such as Germany and Japan.
He stated that the government was upgrading Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Advanced Training Centres (ATCs) to provide skill-based training and improve overseas employment opportunities for youth in countries including Germany, Japan and the United States.
Revanth Reddy reiterated that the government was committed to transforming Telangana into the country’s leading state in development and governance.
TNT TS
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