BJP Demands Fee Reimbursement for BCs Ahead of Festivals
Hyderabad: BJP leader Payal Shankar has urged the Telangana government to release fee reimbursement funds for Backward Classes (BCs) in light of the upcoming Ugadi and Sri Ramanavami festivals. His demand comes after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy assured that funds would be provided to minority educational institutions ahead of Ramzan.
Speaking in the Assembly on Monday during discussions on various demands, Payal Shankar acknowledged the CM’s commitment to releasing funds for minorities. However, he insisted that similar financial support should be extended to BC students as their festivals were also approaching.
In response, BC Welfare Minister Ponnam Prabhakar accused Payal Shankar of misleading the Assembly. He clarified that the CM had only promised to release pending salaries for Imams and Mozins, not just fee reimbursements. Legislative Affairs Minister D Sridhar Babu further explained that the reimbursement process follows a set procedure, and it was incorrect to claim that funds were being given exclusively to minorities.
Defending his stance, Payal Shankar emphasized that his party was not opposing financial aid to minorities. Instead, he was highlighting the need for similar support for BCs, who also require funds to celebrate their festivals.
The BJP leader also questioned the implementation of the 42% reservation for BCs. He alleged that non-BC candidates were benefiting from reservations in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections. He also criticized the lack of funds for BC corporations and federations, stating that the allocated funds were being used only for staff salaries rather than benefiting the communities.
Additionally, he pointed out that the previous BRS government had ignored the Centre’s proposal to establish an Air Force Station in Adilabad in 2015. He urged the current government to revive the proposal, as it would boost development in the backward Adilabad district. Finally, he called for greater autonomy and power for newly formed municipalities in the State.
