The Minister for Minority Affairs Shri K Rahman Khan has said that district and block level committees be formed immediately to plan and monitor the implementation of minority welfare schemes. Shri Khan said this while reviewing the progress of implementation of Schemes of Minority Welfare Department with Shri Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar in Patna today. The Minister observed that local needs and large population should be taken in consideration while formulating proposals under the Schemes. He informed that the Ministry will provide a Block Facilitator to identify and monitor projects under the Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP). The Minister noted that proposals for educational infrastructure development should be given priority.
Reviewing the progress, the Minister urged the State Government to furnish pending utilization certificates to enable release of funds from the Ministry. Timely reporting of progress and better coordination with Ministry officials was also stressed. The Minister reiterated that 15% physical and financial targets under Prime Minister’s New 15-Point Programme should be directed towards minorities.
On Scholarship Scheme for students from minority communities, Shri Khan observed that it is the endeavour of Ministry to make it demand driven. He advised the State Government to instruct banks to open zero-balance accounts for students. State should make effort to advertise these schemes through local newspapers.
The Minister also highlighted that survey of wakf properties, registration of new wakf properties and computerization of records is essential to ensure proper development of wakf properties in the State.