Annual Conference of State Minorities Commissions Concludes

The Annual Conference of State Minorities Commissions concluded here today at Vigyan Bhawan with a number of recommendations for improving the lot of Minorities in the country. The Conference was organized by the National Commission for Minorities and was attended by State Minorities Commissions from across the country. Noted film personality Shri Mahesh Bhatt was the Chief Guest. Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Minority Affairs, delivered the Keynote and the Valedictory addresses. Shri Vincent H. Pala, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, made the opening remarks.

The Conference also had two dedicated Sessions: one on the ‘Review of implementation of Sachar Committee Report’; and the other on ‘Prime Minister’s 15 Point Programme and other issues related to welfare of Minorities’.

At the conclusion of the Conference, Shri Wajahat Habibullah, Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities, presented the recommendations of the daylong Conference. These include recommendations on: i) education of Minorities; especially regarding scholarships; ii) Multi-sectoral Development Programme and financing of schemes; iii) Waqf properties; v) communal violence; vi) cast census; and vii) Prime Minister’s New 15 –Point Programme for the welfare of Minorities. Recommendations regarding some other issue such as repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Act; unavailability of land for qabristan in many places in Punjab and Christians facing difficulties in getting marriage certificates were also made. Shri Habibullah and other Members of the Commission called upon the State Minorities Commissions to approach it whenever they find that their persuasions are not bearing the desired fruits.

In his Valedictory Address Shri Salman Khurshid appreciated the role played by the National Commission for Minorities and the State Minorities Commissions and clarified on many points that were raised during the Conference.

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