Steps afoot for Saudi consulate in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Efforts are on to get a Saudi Consulate in Hyderabad, according to Advisor to Government for Minority Affairs, A K Khan. Interacting with mediapersons here on Sunday, he said Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has been pursuing the issue with the Union Government.

“Apart from the cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Hyderabad, there are also other links. Around 3.80 lakh people from Telangana work in that kingdom. The State government is willing to provide necessary help for setting up the Saudi Consulate in the city,’’ he said. 

Replying to a question, Khan said that restoration of Mecca Masjid works would soon begin. He said the tenders would be finalised on Monday and works will be completed in 18 months at a cost of Rs 8.5 crore.He also indicated that the functioning of the corporation will be streamlined and an advisory committee will be set up for the purpose. He added that the Telangana State Urdu Academy will also be revamped.

About spending of budget, he said that they will focus more on utilisation of budget by the Minorities Welfare Department. “There is shortage of cadre in the department. So there are certain difficulties in effectively utilising the budget. Around 80 posts were sanctioned and 39 persons were given appointment so far. We will do our best to ensure effective utilisation of the budget this financial year,” Khan said.

About the seats in residential schools being set up by the Telangana Government for the Minority communities, he said that about 80 per cent of the 46,000 seats have been filled. “The remaining 20 per cent seats will be filled soon with focus on enrollment on girls,” said Khan.