Sonia-led NAC proposes more welfare schemes for minorities

Panel also calls for enhancement in budgetary allocations

Quoting the report of the Sachar committee, appointed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to examine the socio-economic condition of Muslims, the NAC in its draft said the picture of the largest minority community in the country “was of socio-economic deprivation and gross inequality” and that a sustained course correction is required to check this development deficit.

It also called for enhancement in the budgetary allocations for schemes designed for the minorities.

Giving a call for proactive government intervention for the welfare of minorities, the NAC said the scale of government intervention must be large enough to make a dent into the numbers of the marginalised, the depth of their economic and educational deprivations, and denial of public services.

In its draft that has been on the website for public comments, the NAC stressed the importance of education for women empowerment.

Apart from recommending changes in scholarships given by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the NAC has proposed that one residential school on the lines of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas should be established in a phased manner in the minority concentration blocks and towns/cities to ensure quality education. Noting that minority women are worse off than their counterparts from other socio-religious communities, the advisory council suggested their empowerment through opportunities for functional literacy and livelihood.

Stressing the proper implementation of all welfare schemes, the NAC said the administration needs to plan and monitor programmes in a more participatory ways like consulting and planning with women, youth and working men from poor communities.  Leadership and community institutions of women, youth and working men from poor communities also need to be actively fostered.