Hyderabad, March 29 -- Minority youth are encouraged by the community leaders to take advantage of the Rajiv Yuva Vikasam Scheme, which offers financial assistance of up to Rs. 4 lakh for starting businesses.

The Telangana government has allocated Rs. 840 crore for minorities under the scheme, with Rs. 751 crore earmarked for Muslim applicants based on population estimates. Around 42,000 minority youth across Telangana are expected to benefit.

Despite the scheme's launch, the response from minority applicants has been slow. According to the Minority Finance Corporation, only 12,000 applications have been submitted so far.

With the online application deadline set for April 5, officials stress the need for greater awareness and participa...