Deputy Chief Minister, Mohammed Mahmood Ali on Wednesday visited the historic Mecca Masjid to take note of the arrangements to be made for the ensuing Ramzan month.
Accompanied by Charminar legislator Ahmed Pasha Quadri and Secretary, Minorities Welfare Department, Syed Omer Jaleel, the Deputy Chief Minister went around the magnificent mosque and inspected the water house, washrooms and the main structure of the mosque.
Later, speaking to the media, Mr. Ali said that a massive renovation work would be taken up at a cost of Rs. 10 crore.
“First, we will take up all works necessary for the comfort of the namazis.
After the month of Ramzan, the renovation works will start and it will include restoration of the mosque structure, lighting and sound system, closed circuit cameras and construction of facilities for ablution and washroom,” he stated. The government has hiked the salaries of the imam and moazzin of the Mecca Masjid from Rs. 11,000 to Rs. 17,000 a month. Similarly, we have also increased the salaries of the security personnel and class IV employees.
“During the month of Ramzan, services of contract employees will be utilised for cleaning the mosque premises. A budget of Rs. 25,000 is provided to the mosque for meeting day to day expenses,” Mr. Ali said.
He said that the Minority Welfare Department will write to the government about forming a special committee for Mecca Masjid.
However, there seemed to be lack of coordination between various departments as officials of the HMWS&SB, electricity and GHMC were not present when the minister visited the Masjid.
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