NELLORE: Law Minister NMD Farooq on Sunday said women’s economic self-reliance remains a key priority of the government as he inaugurated a Skill Development Centre and a daily free meal facility at the Kasumuru Dargah premises.
The initiatives, established by the State Waqf Board, aim to provide vocational training for women and support devotees with free meals.
Farooq said the government has been implementing several programmes to uplift the poor and praised Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Azeez for setting up centres to help women acquire skills and become self-employed. He welcomed the free meal facility, noting its importance for devotees travelling long distances.
Recalling his childhood near the shrine, Farooq assured continued efforts for its development and urged minority communities to utilise the centre for sustainable livelihoods. He also acknowledged former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu’s contribution to the dargah’s growth.
Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy said the launch of the two welfare initiatives reflected the government’s commitment under Farooq’s leadership and described them as beneficial for both women and devotees.
Waqf Board Chairman Abdul Azeez announced plans to establish 17 skill development centres across the State, including facilities at Barashaheed Dargah in Nellore city and AS Peta Dargah. He said training would begin with tailoring and later expand to computer education, artificial intelligence and digital skills to create employment opportunities for youth.
The minister emphasised that empowering women through vocational skills and ensuring welfare at religious institutions remain central to the government’s agenda.