New Delhi: Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities Iqbal Singh Lalpura called on Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today and discussed the status of security as well as education and employment opportunities for Hindus, including Kashmiri Pandits and Sikhs living in Jammu and Kashmir, a PIB press release said.
It said Lalpura apprised Dr Singh about some of the initiatives like providing scholarship, training and extending loan facilities at affordable rates and organising Hunar Haat. He said that the Commission will grant more funds for the training of minorities in the UT of J&K.
According to the press release Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Centre is committed to provide fool-proof security to all the people of Jammu and Kashmir and is trying hard to promote livelihood opportunities with a special focus on the needs and requirements of minorities living there.
He asked the Commission to direct its focus for the preservation and enrichment of culture and language of the minorities.
Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) scheme designed to address the development deficits of the identified minority concentration areas, Dr Jitendra Singh said it will continue to support the States/UTs in creating infrastructure to improve the quality of life of people and reduce the imbalances in the identified minority concentration areas to be at par with the rest of the country.
It may be noted that under PMJVK, 80 percent of the resources are utilized for projects related to education, health, and skill development of which at least 33-40 percent are earmarked for the creation of assets/facilities for women/girls, the press release said.
It said that Dr Jitendra Singh noted with satisfaction that under PMJVK, about 20 projects amounting to 320 lakhs have been sanctioned for providing better health, education, and other facilities to the people of J&K.
He pointed out that under pre- and post-matric scholarships to the students of Jammu and Kashmir, around Rs 35 crore has been sanctioned and more funds are in the offing.
