Telangana NGO highlights the plight of Muslim women and families, urges development over welfare
Team Clarion
HYDERABAD — A recent survey conducted by a Telangana-based NGO has unveiled stark economic realities faced by the Muslim community, particularly women, in the Telangana city of Hyderabad. The survey, carried out by the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF), focused on the social, economic, and health conditions of Muslims, aligning with the state government’s caste census initiative. The findings paint a grim picture of financial hardship, with 70% of Muslim households earning less than Rs 15,000 per month.
The survey, which interviewed 3,000 individuals, revealed that 39% of Muslim women work to support their families. In households where male earners are unwell or unemployed, this figure rises to nearly 90%. Mujtaba Hasan Askari, a trustee of HHF, stated, “Muslims need development more than welfare. The burden of health and education expenses is crushing families, and stability in their daily lives is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve.”
The study also highlighted a shift in societal attitudes, with 45% of women reporting encouragement to work. However, most prefer home-based employment due to cultural and social constraints. Men from lower-income groups are predominantly engaged in informal jobs such as driving autos, plumbing, electrician work, and street vending.
The survey underscored the low participation of Muslims in construction work, while gig work (freelance or contract-based jobs) has seen a rise. Askari noted, “The Muslim population in Hyderabad’s urban areas is about 30-35%, and the focus of this survey was on the 70% who earn less than Rs 15,000 monthly. Many families rely on a single breadwinner, and the trend of migrating to other cities for better opportunities is minimal.”
Education and healthcare remain significant challenges. The survey found that families spend an average of Rs 800 per month per child on education, despite low literacy rates. Health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and cancer, affect one in three families, with monthly medical expenses ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 8,000.
Askari emphasised the need for targeted development programs to alleviate the financial strain on the community. “The focus should be on reducing the heavy burden of health and education costs. Only then can we hope for stability and savings in their daily lives,” he said.
The survey also revealed that while many families are aware of government welfare schemes, such as ration cards, more comprehensive support is needed to address systemic issues.
As the findings shed light on the struggles of Hyderabad’s Muslim population, the call for actionable development initiatives grows louder. The survey serves as a stark reminder of the economic disparities faced by the community and the urgent need for inclusive growth policies.
