Bengaluru, August 06, 2025: Karnataka’s Minister for Housing, Waqf, and Minority Welfare, B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, announced that 70% of the funds from the Minority Department are being utilized for education. The statement was made during an event in the city on Wednesday, where talented students from residential schools and colleges under the Minority Welfare Department were honored with the Prathibha Puraskar awards and an educational workshop.
Speaking at the event, Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan shared his personal journey, saying, “My parents enrolled me in a convent for a good education, but I had to stop after the 10th grade. Now, despite my desire to learn, I can’t. I’ve had the opportunity to become an MLA and a minister, but not everyone gets such chances without education. I urge you all not to abandon your studies midway.”
He highlighted the department’s progress, noting that 1,20,350 students were enrolled in residential facilities two years ago, a number that has risen to 2,08,065 this year. “Our goal is to reach 5 lakh students in the next three years,” he added. The minister also pointed out the increase in budgetary allocation, from ₹850 crore under the BJP government in 2022-23 to ₹2,101 crore after the Congress took over, with ₹4,537 crore allocated for 2025-26.
During the event, 125 students who excelled in SSLC and 17 who topped in PUC were awarded ₹10,000 and ₹15,000 in cash along with laptops, respectively. Outstanding district-level officers, taluk extension officers, principals, lecturers, teachers, and wardens were also felicitated. The event saw the presence of notable figures including B.K. Altaf Khan, Chairman of the Minority Development Corporation, S. Jafeth, Chairman of the Christian Development Corporation, and others.
Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan paid tribute to his political mentor, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, saying, “Everyone has a guru. For me, it’s H.D. Deve Gowda. I may be in the Congress now, but my guru remains unchanged. I must acknowledge those who shaped me in politics. He rose from poverty to become Prime Minister.”
Additionally, the minister personally awarded ₹1 lakh to K.M. Roofia, who secured six gold medals in M.Sc. Physics, and promised to cover the full educational expenses for A.R. Rida, who secured an MBBS seat, presenting her with a two-wheeler as a gift.