The condition of minorities in India is many times better than their Pakistani counterparts, said Aziz Qureshi, Governor of Uttarakhand, while addressing a programme organised by the State Minority Commission on the occasion of ‘World Minority Day’ on Thursday. In his inaugural address, the Governor highlighted the role played by the minorities in the freedom struggle and the development of the country. He said that the Indian National Congress (INC) had acknowledged the role of minorities about 100 years ago when it was not even a political party.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Harish Rawat said that the State Government is fully committed for the social, educational, and economic upliftment of minorities in the State. He said that the State Government has earmarked a budget of Rs50 Crore for the welfare of minorities in the State and if need arises, the budget could be increased. Rawat said that he is ready to keep one day in a month or fortnight where he would meet and hear the grievance of minority community.
He announced that the facilities for pilgrims would be increased at Ritha Sahib, Nanak Matta, Hem Kund Sahib, and Piran Kalier. The CM said that the State Government is committed to open more schools, colleges, and other infrastructure facilities in the minority concentrated blocks of the State. In his keynote address, the famous academician and Principal of St Stephen’s college New Delhi, Walson Thampu said that the minorities should not underestimate themselves on the basis of numeral strength. He exhorted the members of the minority community to give their best for the development of the country. Former Chairman of National Commission of Minorities (NCM) Wajahat Habibullah explained the constitutional provisions, which safe guard the minority rights in our country.
He stressed the urgent need for the modernisation of Madrasas in India. The regional director of NIESBUD Dr Poonam Singh delivered a lecture on entrepreneurship development and government schemes for minority community. Prominent agriculture entrepreneur Jang Bahadur Sanga shared his experiences. He said that he decided to start high tech agriculture in his native village after getting an engineering degree from overseas. The Chairman of State Minorities commission Narinderjeet Singh Bindra gave vote of thanks on the occasion.