Abu Asim Azmi calls for increased support to promote Urdu language and literature, criticising insufficient budget allocation.
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – Maharashtra Samajwadi Party leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Abu Asim Azmi, has urged the state government to allocate ₹1.3 crore to the Urdu Academy, highlighting the severe shortage of funds hindering its operations. In a written appeal to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Azmi expressed concern over the insufficient financial support provided for the promotion of the Urdu language and literature in Maharashtra.
Azmi pointed out that while a government resolution had been issued for a fund provision of ₹1.33 crore, only ₹63.36 lakh has been disbursed to the academy so far. “It is disheartening to see that despite the allocation of ₹10 crore, the budget provided for the academy’s functioning remains grossly inadequate,” Azmi remarked.
In contrast, he noted that the state government had allocated a massive budget of ₹46,000 crore for the Ladli Behan scheme, emphasising the disparity in funding priorities. “There is no fund for Urdu literature and language, which is very sad. A fund of ₹1.3 crore should be provided to the Urdu Academy, along with an additional ₹5 crore to bolster the academy’s resources,” Azmi asserted.
Azmi’s appeal underscores the need for greater attention to the promotion of Urdu, a language deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Maharashtra. The proposed funding is seen as essential for preserving and advancing Urdu literature, which plays a vital role in the state’s diverse linguistic heritage.