HYDERABAD: Advisor to the Telangana Government (SC, ST, OBC & Minorities) Mohammed Ali Shabbir has urged Chief Secretary A. Shanthi Kumari to direct district collectors to hold review meetings to ensure smooth arrangements for the holy month of Ramzan and Eid-ul-Fitr across the state.
He emphasised the need for timely planning at the district level to facilitate fasting, prayers, and essential civic amenities. His request came during a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat, chaired by Minister for BC Welfare and Transport, Ponnam Prabhakar, and attended by MLCs, MLAs, chairpersons, and senior government officials at Telangana Secretariat on Tuesday.
The meeting addressed crucial aspects such as sanitation, drinking water, law and order, electricity, and other public services to ensure a hassle-free observance of Ramzan. Shabbir Ali thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for issuing a G.O. allowing government employees to leave offices at 4:00 PM during Ramzan and appreciated the decision to permit shops and establishments to operate until 4:00 AM. The Labour Department was urged to issue a similar G.O. allowing extended business hours statewide, while the Police Department is expected to issue necessary orders across districts for its smooth implementation.
Shabbir Ali also highlighted the need for urgent infrastructure upgrades at Makka Masjid and Royal Mosque, key congregational prayer sites during Ramzan and Eid. He stressed the importance of replacing worn-out carpets and called for an immediate assessment and replacement of non-functional CC cameras to enhance security at religious places. It was decided that a meeting would be held post-Ramzan to discuss the regularisation of staff working at Makka Masjid and Royal Mosque, while additional cleaning staff would be outsourced to maintain hygiene during the festival.
In a letter to the Chief Secretary, Shabbir Ali underscored the need for district collectors to conduct similar review meetings, ensuring a well-coordinated approach to fasting, prayers, and Eid celebrations across Telangana. He urged the state government to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place well in advance for the smooth observance of Ramzan. The Chief Secretary’s office acknowledged the request, and instructions to district officials are expected soon. (eom)
