Rajya Sabha
A scheme of pre-examination coaching for weaker sections including minorities, based on economic criteria, for recruitment in services and admission in professional courses is being implemented in the country. The National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) provides loans for the economic empowerment of Minorities and loans for pursuing professional and technical courses. The Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) promotes education amongst the minorities. The Central Wakf Council (CWC) provides grants-in-aid for development of urban Wakf properties. These are the schemes meant for the welfare of the minorities in the country.
The Government enhanced the corpus fund of the Maulana Azad Education Foundation to better meet the requirements of the deserving people from Rs.70.01 to Rs.100 crore during the year 2005-06. Interest rates being low, the amount needs to be increased sufficiently. It has been decided in principle to double the corpus fund of the Foundation to Rs.200 crores.
This information was given by the Minister of Minority Affairs, Shri A.R. Antulay in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
DS/AS/130306-PQ1-WelfareOfMinorities
(Release ID :16505)