Fund- starved Telangana Urdu Academy struggles to continue its schemes

Hyderabad: The funds starved TS Urdu Academy continues to struggle to upkeep its schemes, even as Urdu lovers questioned the seriousness of the State government which declared the language as State's second official language.

The TS Urdu Academy which always benefited from the budgetary allocation in double digit numbers till 2018-19, has for the past two years witnessed single digit allocation. When it comes to release of funds, there remains a huge gap between allocation and actual spending, impacting various schemes which are run by this State government's department for the 'Promotion of Urdu' through publication of books and its supply to thousands of students and academics.

According to official sources, the budgetary allocation which was Rs 20 cr for 2018-19 has gradually come down to Rs 8 cr and Rs 3 cr in 2019-20 and 2020-21 respectively. Moreover, there remains a huge gap between actual allocation and spending. In 2019-20, the spending was almost one-tenth of allocation and in the latest financial year out of Rs 3 crore nothing has been released so far.

Some higher officials who hold responsibility of two to three departments are also being blamed for transferring funds meant for Urdu Academy to other departments. "About Rs one cr from Urdu Academy were transferred to other department during the previous financial year, which is a clear case of 'funds diversion'. This must be investigated and the official in question who has the least understanding of language should be brought to book," demanded Mir Inayat Ali, an activist.

Earlier this year, there was a glimmer of hope following the appointment of Director for the TS Urdu Academy. But questions started to pour in as to how the new official would manage to run the institution without proper funds.

According to official sources, even though the academy now has a Chairman and a Director, their hands remained tied due to lack of funds. "If the academy is supported by proper funding, then it can not only supply books to the students (around 10,000 in higher studies) on time but also be able to publish material for the promotion of language.

Following the formation of Telangana and declaration of Urdu as second language, there was a hope that Urdu Academy would have its own printing press, but it continues to depend on Telugu Academy for publication," said an official source.

l This financial year, out of Rs 3 crore, nothing has been released so far

l Academy witnessing single digit budgetary allocation for past 2 years

l Mir Inayat Ali, an activist, demands investigation into Urdu Academy's Rs 1 cr fund diversion during previous financial year