PNS|Hyderabad
Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt. N. Uttam Kumar Reddy reaffirmed the Congress Government’s commitment to secularism and the protection of minority rights.
He was addressing a gathering at the Haj House while flagging off a convoy of Haj pilgrims to Mecca on Tuesday.
Uttam said that no nation can progress without ensuring equal opportunities for all its citizens, especially religious minorities. “A society that neglects its minorities cannot claim to be democratic. Economic empowerment, educational access, and social inclusion are the pillars of true development,” he said.
He cautioned against the growing threat of communalism in India, stating that the nation’s secular fabric must be safeguarded.
“We are at a crossroads where communal narratives are being promoted for short-term political gains. This not only weakens national unity but also threatens the very foundations on which our Constitution stands,” he warned.
Reflecting on the inclusive approach of the Congress Government in Telangana, Uttam said the Congress government had taken steps to empower minorities.
“We’ve allocated Rs 3,591 crore for minority welfare in this year’s budget, the highest in the state’s history. Of this, Rs 840 crore has been earmarked under the ‘Rajiv Yuva Vikasam’ initiative to support jobless minority youth through skill development and employment assistance,” he said.
