Hyderabad: Government cancels Urdu Academy land allotment to private company

The Telangana government has cancelled the allotment of 1.04 acres of Urdu Academy land in Serilingampally to NN Infra & Constructions following protests and criticism. Former BRS leader Waheed Ahmed welcomed the decision and sought development of the site.

Hyderabad: The Congress government has cancelled the allotment of Urdu Academy land to a private company following protests and criticism from different sections.

Last month, the Minorities Welfare department issued GOMs No. 20, allotting 1.04 acres of Telangana Urdu Academy land at Survey No. 29, Dargah Hussain Shah Wali village in Serilingampally, to NN Infra & Constructions on a 30-year lease. The order drew strong criticism from various sections. Questions were raised over the allotment of the land to a private company without following due procedure. The BRS had submitted a representation to the department seeking cancellation of GOMs No. 20.

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An independent inquiry was also demanded. There were calls to protect the Urdu Academy’s valuable land and use it for the objectives for which it was originally allotted. Democratic protests were held and awareness sessions were conducted across Telangana on the issue and its consequences.

Former BRS State Secretary and former Telangana State Waqf Board Member Waheed Ahmed welcomed the cancellation of GOMs No. 20, describing it as a victory for public accountability, protection of public property and the cause of Urdu language and culture. He wanted the government to develop the site for a permanent Urdu Academy building, auditorium, library, research centre and Urdu cultural complex. Such facilities, he said, would benefit students, scholars, writers and others.