In a major step towards strengthening minority welfare and protecting public assets, the State government reaffirmed its commitment to social justice and responsible governance during a high-level review meeting held at the Secretariat here on Monday.

The meeting was led by Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohammed Azharuddin, whose sustained efforts and proactive leadership resulted in a decisive breakthrough on the long-pending Qabristan land allotment issue in the Jubilee Hills Assembly Constituency.

Revenue, Housing and Information & Public Relations Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Jubilee Hills MLA Naveen Yadav and Faheem Quraishi, Chairman of TIMRIS, also participated in the meeting. Senior officials and representatives of Qabristan Committees from Erragadda, Borabanda, and Shaikpet divisions were also present.

During the discussions, Minister Mohammed Azharuddin placed the long-standing hardships of minority communities before the government with clarity and urgency. He highlighted that for decades, residents of these divisions have faced serious difficulties due to the absence of proper burial grounds. Acting on his initiative, the issue was taken up at the highest level, leading to clear administrative directions and firm assurances.

Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy stated that government lands are public assets and emphasised that there will be zero tolerance for negligence or encroachment.

He directed officials to take stringent and foolproof measures to safeguard government lands, particularly those meant for public welfare and minority needs.

To resolve the Qabristan issue at the earliest, the Minister instructed officials to ensure close coordination between the Revenue department, Defence department, and the Waqf Board. Wherever required, Revenue land will be transferred to the Defence department and alternative land obtained in exchange, while suitable Revenue land will be handed over to the Waqf Board for burial grounds.

The Minister further warned that vested interests attempting to encroach upon government lands meant for the welfare of the poor and development activities will not be spared.He instructed officials to immediately identify encroachments, issue notices, and reclaim such lands if necessary. District Collectors were directed to deal firmly and legally with disputed lands to ensure their protection.

Following the clear directions issued in the meeting, Collectors and senior officials were instructed to complete all formalities without delay. The meeting concluded on a positive note and was described as a grand success, bringing long-awaited relief to the residents of Erragadda, Borabanda, and Shaikpet.

Residents of Jubilee Hills constituency and representatives of the Qabristan Committees expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Minister Mohammed Azharuddin for his sincere efforts, constant follow-up, and strong advocacy on behalf of minorities.

They acknowledged that his leadership was instrumental in achieving a final resolution.

Mohammed Azharuddin thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for his support and visionary leadership, stating that the Congress government has always stood as a true well-wisher of minorities and remains firmly committed to their progress.

Reaffirming the government’s resolve, Azharuddin said that the Congress government will not remain silent until every genuine minority issue in Telangana is resolved. Under the Congress government, minority welfare is not just a promise, but a priority backed by decisive action.