Don’t divert funds for welfare of Minorities: NMC Member

National Minority Commission (NMC) Member Syed Shahezaadi has emphasised the need to ensure that funds allocated for minority welfare are utilised exclusively for their intended purpose and not diverted to other schemes. She made these remarks during a state-level review meeting at the State Secretariat on Tuesday, which assessed the implementation of the Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities.
Addressing officials, Shahezaadi called for the effective implementation of the 15-point programme, focusing on improving the socio-economic conditions of minorities. She highlighted the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in enhancing the economic status of minority communities.
Expressing concern over issues such as child labour and early pregnancies among minorities, she advocated strict legal action against offenders and awareness programmes in collaboration with ASHA workers and health personnel.
Shahezaadi also urged the timely completion of schools, colleges, hospitals, and hostels under the Prime Minister’s Jan Vikas Programme. She suggested modernising Madrasa education, promoting Urdu language teaching, and offering scholarships to talented minority students to enhance educational opportunities.
She proposed strengthening ICDS services, improving educational infrastructure through the Maulana Azad Education Foundation, ensuring equitable participation in rural housing schemes, and improving the living conditions of minorities in slums. She also called for preventive measures and strict action to address communal tensions and religious crimes.
State Minority Welfare Commissioner Chittoori Sridhar presented a detailed report on the progress of various welfare schemes in the state.
The meeting concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to ensure the holistic development of minorities and the successful execution of welfare initiatives.
______________