Telangana Election Latest News: Ahead of the state polls, the K Chandrasekhar Rao government has announced that it will grant free electricity benefits to washermen from the Muslim community. This decision comes as part of the government’s ongoing effort to support marginalised communities. The government further added that the decision will provide equal opportunities.
The Backward Classes Welfare Department, responsible for implementing various social welfare programs, has been providing free electricity to a group known as “Dhobis” from backward castes. This support includes a monthly allowance of up to 250 units of free electricity for Dhobis, Dhobi Ghats, and laundry shops, as stated in an official announcement.
The initiative gained momentum when Asaduddin Owaisi, a Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, brought to light the presence of Muslim Dhobis involved in the same profession. Owaisi advocated for equal benefits for these Muslim washermen, arguing that they deserved the same support.
In response to Owaisi’s request, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao swiftly took action, ensuring that Muslim Dhobis operating Dhobi Ghats and laundry shops would also receive the free electricity benefit.
The Principal Secretary of the Backward Classes Welfare Department issued a memorandum extending the free electricity benefit to Muslim Dhobis across the state. This decision aims to level the playing field and ensure fairness in accessing essential resources.
However, not everyone supports this move. Bandi Sanjay Kumar, a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a Member of Parliament, criticized the government’s decision. He expressed concerns that this policy could negatively impact the livelihoods of traditional washermen, as it might lead to increased competition from new laundry shops.Kumar also accused the Chief Minister of making decisions based on religious considerations, claiming that this move could be aimed at securing votes from a specific religious group.
Telangana will be holding assembly elections soon by the end of 2023 which has been the motivation behind new initiatives in the state like earlier the state government introduced nine government medical colleges for Telangana students.
