A.P. Waqf Board selects 250 students for free residential Intermediate education
The Andhra Pradesh Waqf Board has announced the selection of 250 underprivileged Muslim students to receive free residential Intermediate education through a state-wide talent test initiative named 'Taalim-e-Hunar'. The programme, which will cost approximately ₹6 crore, aims to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education.
According to Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Aziz, a total of 7,400 students applied for the test across the state, and 6,605 candidates appeared. From this pool, 250 meritorious students were chosen for the fully funded residential programme. Mr. Aziz highlighted that 41% of the seats have been reserved for female candidates, acknowledging that many girls from underprivileged backgrounds may lack a conducive study environment at home. "Residential education is essential to prepare them to face competitive challenges," he stated.
The initiative is being implemented as part of the state government's 'P4 programme', which aligns with the Chief Minister's vision that poverty should not be a barrier to education. On Tuesday, Mr. Aziz was felicitated by the Muslim Minority Employees Welfare Association, where association president Hamid praised the scale and impact of the scheme, noting its potential to provide opportunities previously accessible only to the wealthy. He also mentioned that neighbouring states have expressed interest in studying the programme.
In a separate announcement related to pilgrimage, Mr. Aziz revealed that approximately 335 pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh received a subsidy of ₹1 lakh each for the Haj Yatra this year. The Chief Minister, he said, fulfilled a pre-election promise by extending financial support to devotees. The subsidy amount was credited to the pilgrims' accounts shortly after their return from the sacred journey.
The Waqf Board's educational outreach continues to focus on inclusive growth, with the current residential programme designed to offer holistic preparation for higher studies and competitive examinations.