Hyderabad, July 25: The Telangana Urdu Academy has refused to disclose details of its bank accounts and financial transactions under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, citing an ongoing Vigilance and Enforcement Department investigation.
The refusal has also renewed questions over prolonged leadership vacancies and financial oversight within the Academy.
The RTI application was filed on April 20, 2026, by social activist Shareef from Moghalpura, Hyderabad.
In its reply dated May 20, 2026, the Academy’s Public Information Officer rejected the request, stating that the information sought was exempt under Sections 8(1)(g), 8(1)(h), and 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
The officer also stated that the requested details did not fall within the definition of “information” under Section 2(f) of the Act.
The RTI response confirms that the Vigilance and Enforcement Department is investigating the Academy’s financial affairs.
Official correspondence dated January 2, 2026, shows that vigilance officials sought extensive financial records from the Academy.
The department requested details of all bank accounts operated since 2020, certified bank statements, approvals related to opening or closing accounts, copies of specific cheques issued in November 2020, sanction orders, vouchers, and records identifying officials authorised to operate the accounts.
The enquiry also refers to government instructions requiring all departments to cooperate fully with Vigilance and Enforcement officials during investigations.
Meanwhile, Shareef alleged that government funded Shaadi Khana facilities managed under the Academy have not undergone proper audits for several years.
He questioned how public funds allocated to these facilities were utilised and who benefited from them.
Separately, social activists linked the current controversy to the absence of permanent leadership at the Telangana Urdu Academy. He alleged that since the formation of Telangana, the institution has functioned without a permanent cadre Director or Secretary, with officers holding temporary or additional charge.
According to activists, the lack of consistent administrative leadership weakened financial accountability and delayed institutional reforms.
He urged Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin to appoint a permanent cadre officer and order a comprehensive audit of the Academy and its government funded assets.
The Telangana Urdu Academy functions under the Minorities Welfare Department from Haj House, Nampally, Hyderabad.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates and Follow us on GoogleNews
