Telangana to fill Urdu teacher vacancies through special recruitment drive: Uttam Reddy

Hyderabad: Reiterating commitment to promote Urdu language, literature, and culture, Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister Capt N Uttam Kumar Reddy said the government would fill all vacancies of Urdu teachers through a special recruitment drive.

Uttam Kumar Reddy also made it clear that the Congress government would protect the 4% Muslim reservation at all costs.

Speaking at the 8th Nawab Shah Alam Khan Memorial Mushaira, organised by the Anwar-ul-Uloom Educational Association at Anwar-ul-Uloom College, Mallepally, on Saturday night, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Congress Government would leave no stone unturned to preserve Urdu's linguistic and cultural heritage.

“We will ensure that all Urdu teacher vacancies are filled through a special recruitment drive. Our government is determined to give Urdu the respect, recognition, and institutional support it deserves,” he said.

Detailing his bond with the Urdu language, Uttam said, “I was born in the Old City of Hyderabad. My parents studied entirely in Urdu medium and spoke the language at home. Urdu is the language of my upbringing, my emotions, and my culture.” He praised Anwar-ul-Uloom Educational Association for consistently organising the annual Mushaira to promote the Urdu language, calling it a noble cultural mission that keeps the spirit of Hyderabad alive.

Highlighting the historical significance of Urdu, Uttam Kumar Reddy described it as one of the most beautiful languages in the world. “Urdu is a language of tehzeeb, of harmony, and expression. It played a crucial role during India’s freedom struggle - uniting people with its soulful poetry, revolutionary slogans, and stirring speeches,” he said. He added that Urdu was not just a medium of communication but a bridge between diverse cultures and communities.

The minister also assured that the Congress Government was committed to the rights and welfare of minorities. “All minority educational institutions will get the support they deserve. We have doubled the minority welfare budget and will spend Rs 4,000 crore to empower our communities,” he said, adding that the government was actively addressing issues such as delayed fee reimbursements faced by minority-run colleges under the previous regime.

On the issue of reservations, Uttam Kumar Reddy gave a categorical assurance that the Congress Government would protect the 4% Muslim reservation at all costs. “This is not just a policy - this is a constitutional right. We will fight all legal battles to defend it in every judicial forum,” he said. Recalling his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he pointed out that the Congress had always stood against laws that threatened the rights of minorities. “Even recently, the Congress party strongly opposed the Waqf Amendment Act passed by Parliament. We will continue to resist such attacks,” he said.

Citing the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, TPCC President M Mahesh Kumar Goud and senior leader V Hanumantha Rao, Uttam Kumar Reddy said the Congress party remains united and committed to upholding secularism and constitutional values. “From Delhi to Telangana, the Congress stands with the minorities. Our mission is equality, justice, and security for every citizen,” he stated.

He warned that attempts to divide the country in the name of religion for political gains would be strongly resisted. “We are committed to your security, your rights, and your future,” he told the audience, as the gathering of poets, students, and citizens applauded.

Uttam Kumar Reddy lauded Anwar-ul-Uloom Education Society as one of Telangana’s most respected institutions, catering to nearly 18,000 students. He assured full support from the government for its academic and cultural initiatives, promising continued engagement with the Urdu-speaking community.