Telangana to establish AI-focused minority degree colleges as CM prioritizes skill development

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has announced plans to set up minority degree colleges across unified district headquarters in Telangana, with a specific emphasis on artificial intelligence training and skill development programmes.

During a Friday review of the Minority Welfare Department at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister stressed that minority students should have access to education that enhances employment prospects and livelihood opportunities, moving beyond traditional coursework alone.

Revanth Reddy instructed department officials to strengthen employment-focused educational initiatives for minority communities. He also directed them to design incentive schemes for high-performing minority students that would be equivalent to benefits currently extended to students from backward castes, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes.

The Chief Minister asked officials to identify minority candidates who have secured positions in Group-1, Group-2, and Group-3 civil services, encouraging them to work within the Minority Welfare Department. This placement, he explained, would provide valuable insight into departmental operations and welfare programme implementation.

Revanth Reddy recommended that successful civil services candidates and accomplished athletes be invited to participate in student incentive programmes, suggesting their presence would motivate younger students about the value of education and sports.

Additional welfare measures announced include the prompt disbursement of honorariums to Imams and Mouzams, as well as land allocation for graveyards where feasible. The Chief Minister also called for the integration of AI-based learning systems across minority educational institutions.

In a separate initiative, the government is developing a scheme to retrofit auto-rickshaws with electric engines, replacing diesel and petrol powerplants. The Chief Minister indicated this programme would reduce fuel expenditures for auto drivers while enhancing their standard of living.

As part of the Musi Riverfront development project, the government will construct a mosque, church, and gurudwara alongside a temple. Revanth Reddy specified that these structures should authentically represent the cultural and religious heritage of their respective communities, serving as symbols of India's pluralistic values and Telangana's syncretic "Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb" tradition. The Chief Minister envisioned these buildings functioning as significant venues for cultural and civilizational scholarship.

The review meeting was attended by Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin, Chief Secretary Rama Krishna Rao, MP Mohammed Shabbir Ali, TGMREIS President Mohammed Faheemuddin Qureshi, and CM OSD Vemula Srinivasulu. Also present were Haj Committee Chairman Syed Ghulam Afzal Biabani, Waqf Board Chairman Syed Azmatullah Hussaini, Minority Finance Corporation Chairman Mohammed Obedullah Kotwal, Urdu Academy President Taher Bin Handan, Christian Minority Corporation Chairman Deepak John Kokadan, Minority Welfare Secretary Shafiullah, MLA Medipally Satyam, and other officials.