30 lakh scholarships given to minority students: Khurshid

Addressing a gathering of representatives of various minority groups in UAE yesterday, Khurshid said that steps are being taken in light of the Sachar Committee report. "As many as 90 districts have been chosen, 67 of them Muslim majority districts and a sum of Rs 3,700 crore have been allocated for development of these districts," the minister said.

"Around 650 fellowships have been granted to MPhil and PhD students and 70 educational institutions have been earmarked wherein entire fees for minority students will be waived. That includes the IITs and the IIMs," he added. In order to set model colleges all over the country, his department is working closely with the human resource development ministry, Khursheed said. He also said that progress has been made on the proposed Equal Opportunities Commission.

Khursheed, who is also the minister for Corporate Affairs, earlier addressed a seminar, "Accountancy Profession in New Economic Order" organised by the Dubai chapter of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Addressing the seminar Khursheed said, "Indian professionals need support to make their place in the global market place. Events such as these are the government’s step in this direction". He is also scheduled to meet officials of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), ministers and other senior officials over the next two days.