HYDERABAD, May 8: The taluka and district level Zakat bodies have misappropriated Rs450 million earmarked for poverty alleviation and eradication of joblessness by the ministry of Zakat, Ushr and Auqaf.

This was said by Sindh minister for Zakat, Ushr, Auqaf, minority and religious affairs Dr Irfan Gul Magsi while speaking at a public meeting in Tando Allahyar on Thursday.

Mr Magsi said that relief funds for jobless youth had not been distributed fairly, adding that the relief had gone into the pockets of people managing the affairs of local Zakat committees.

Stressing the need for transparency in distribution of the relief for the jobless youth, the minister said that the grant would now be distributed in open kutchehries, which would be held in every district of the province.

He said that people with expertise in any appropriate field would be helped by the ministry to purchase equipment enabling them to earn their livelihood.

Referring to water shortage in Tando Allahyar, the Sindh minister assured the growers regarding provision of adequate water for their crops.

Stressing the need for judicious distribution of water, he said that no discrimination would be tolerated in this regard.

He said that the ministry of Auqaf would endeavour to provide necessary facilities for the visiting devotees at different shrines in Sindh.

Referring to the minorities’ affairs, the minister said that minorities had been neglected in Sindh province, adding that he had invited leaders of various minority groups to put forward their schemes and he would try to get them implemented.

Murid Ali Shah, Siddiqui Saand and others also spoke on the occasion.

eid milad: District Nazim Dr Makhdoom Rafikuzzaman has asked Hesco authorities not to issue detection bills on account of illumination being carried out in the district to celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi.

Presiding over a meeting regarding Eid Milad-un-Nabi celebrations at the Shahbaz Hall here on Wednesday, he further said the authorities should not lodge FIRs against individuals or organizations in this regard.

He said electricity charges on account of illumination would be adjusted by the taluka administrations concerned under the head of streetlights.

Mr Rafikuzzaman urged managements of Hesco, Wasa and Sui Gas to place some personnel at the disposal of taluka municipal administrations to resolve routine problems on the spot during the celebrations.

He directed taluka municipal administrations, Hyderabad Development Authority and Hesco to remove encroachments and ensure cleanliness and provision of water, especially on procession routes. He also directed the traffic police to keep procession routes clear.