On November 11, 2025, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, reaffirmed his government’s dedication to the welfare and upliftment of minority communities during the celebrations of Minority Welfare Day in Vijayawada. The event, held at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram, coincided with the 136th birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister, underscoring the significance of education and inclusive development in the state's policy priorities.
At the ceremony, Mr. Naidu paid tribute to Maulana Azad’s enduring legacy, recognizing his pivotal role in shaping India’s educational landscape. He highlighted the fact that it was under Azad’s visionary leadership that the country’s first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) was established in 1951, laying the foundation for what would become India’s knowledge economy. The Chief Minister emphasized that the joint celebration of Minority Welfare Day and National Education Day was a fitting homage to Azad’s contributions.
The event saw Mr. Naidu present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Syed Nasheed Ahmed, along with felicitations for several teachers who were recognized for their excellence in education. These awards, including significant monetary prizes, underscored the government’s focus on encouraging educational excellence and honoring those who contribute meaningfully to the community’s development.
Chief Minister Naidu outlined a series of initiatives and commitments aimed at supporting minority communities, particularly focusing on education and religious welfare. Among the key promises was the assurance of free education for minority girls up to the Intermediate level, reflecting the government’s push to improve educational access and gender parity within these communities. Additionally, he announced plans for constructing Haj buildings in Kadapa and Vijayawada to facilitate the pilgrimage for Muslim citizens, along with a financial assistance scheme offering ₹1 lakh to Haj pilgrims.
To further institutionalize minority welfare, the Chief Minister highlighted the establishment of a Minority Welfare Board with a substantial fund allocation of ₹5,434 crore. This board is tasked with overseeing various programs and ensuring that minority communities receive targeted support. In line with educational support, he revealed that 175 Urdu teachers had been appointed through the District Selection Committee (DSC), with a broader goal to nurture minority children into global leaders through quality education.
Addressing religious and cultural needs, Mr. Naidu detailed plans for the protection and digitization of Wakf properties, which are endowments made for religious or charitable purposes in the Muslim community. He assured that qualified Imams would be appointed as Khajis—a role akin to caretakers of Wakf properties—by March 2026 following thorough verification processes. This move aims to streamline management and safeguard these valuable community assets.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced a monthly allocation of ₹5,000 to each Masjid in the state, providing steady financial support to religious institutions. The government also intends to launch the Haj pilgrimage from the Vijayawada Haj house starting next year, thereby simplifying travel arrangements for pilgrims and enhancing the infrastructure supporting this important religious journey. Additionally, ₹100 crore has been earmarked for the Noorbasha corporation, which serves minority communities.
During the celebrations, awards recognizing contributions to the development of the Urdu language were presented, including the Moulana Azad National Award with a prize of ₹2.5 lakh and the Abdul Hak Award with ₹1.25 lakh. The Chief Minister also honored athletes and educators by awarding ₹1 lakh each to four sports persons, ₹10 lakh each to 66 outstanding teachers, and ₹5,000 each to 58 top-performing students, highlighting the government’s broad commitment to recognizing talent across various fields within minority communities.
While outlining his government’s achievements and future plans, Mr. Naidu acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the state but reassured that welfare and development initiatives would continue unabated. He drew attention to Andhra Pradesh’s unique position as the only state providing pensions ranging from ₹4,000 to ₹15,000 to different beneficiary categories, underscoring the administration’s focus on social security.
The Chief Minister also expressed his dissatisfaction with the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, accusing it of tarnishing Andhra Pradesh’s hard-earned reputation and brand image. He criticized their governance for undermining investor confidence and vowed that his administration was working tirelessly to restore the state’s standing as a hub of progress and prosperity. Mr. Naidu emphasized his personal commitment to addressing grievances, stating that he directly engages with dissatisfied