Plans to financially aid Musi River project victims by TGMFC draws flak

People who are against the proposal have argued that TGMFC with a limited budget should not take up such schemes where money will be given to every applicant or beneficiary.

Hyderabad: The proposal by Telangana Minorities Finance Corporation (TGMFC) to extend financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh each to 138 families, who were displaced due to Musi River Development Project, is facing a lot of criticism from various quarters.

The TGMFC is planning to provide financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 2 crore to the 138 families, who were shifted to Musi River bed to 2 BHK houses, out of the Rs 30 crore released by the State government for implementation of welfare schemes that are already underway.

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People who are against the proposal have argued that TGMFC with a limited budget should not take up such schemes where money will be given to every applicant or beneficiary.

Social activists have pointed out that if TGMFC starts spending its funds here then there will be nothing left for the BPL families who are no way linked to the Musi Project.

“Several thousand families will be shifted from Musi River to other places. Imagine the budget needs to provide financial assistance to each and every family?” asks S. Q Masood, a social activist.

Many have urged the TGMFC to urge the State government for extra budget for the welfare of the Musi River Project affected families. “We are not against the families who are affected by the Musi River Project. But there is no logic in the TGMFC using its budget for the families displaced due to some mega projects. They should be helped but not from the TGMFC budget,” said Dilavar Khan, a minorities rights activist.

Mir Qurram Ali, an advocate and local social worker form old city says “The government is taking up the Musi River Development Project in a big way. The project is estimated to cost several thousand crores and TGMFC with a meager budget should not spend its funds here. Some other schemes can be taken up for welfare of the minorities”.

Mohd Obedulla Kothwal, chairman TGMFC, said team of officials had visited the Musi River bed and conducted a survey recently. “We found 138 people were displaced due to the project. To support them with livelihood, the TGMFC is coming forward with financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh to each family. We will continue to support Musi project affected families in future also,” said Obedullah Kotwal.