(a) the details for the welfare of minorities under Prime Minister’s new Fifteen Point Programme which is under implementation in the Country, including the State of West Bengal;
(b) the details including the achievements made therein during the last three years, State-wise; and
(c) whether the Government has any report of non-utilization of funds for minorities in the Country, if so, the details thereof and the action taken by Government against the concerned Officers, State/UT-wise?
MINISTER OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
(SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)
(a) to (c): The Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities (PM’s New 15 PP) is under implementation in the country including West Bengal as an overarching programme. The programme covers various schemes/ initiatives of the Government being implemented by the various Ministries/Departments, either exclusively for or by earmarking of 15% of overall physical/financial targets for minorities, wherever feasible, or by monitoring the flow of funds in the minority concentration areas, for the welfare of minorities in the country.
The programme aims to promote opportunities for education as well as social welfare by ensuring equitable share for minorities in economic activities and employment through existing and new schemes, enhanced credit support for self-employment and recruitment to State and Central Government jobs. As per information received from the participating Ministries/Departments, the details of targets and achievement available, under various schemes/initiatives of the programme, including funds sanctioned, released and utilized during the last three years in various States/UTs, including West Bengal are on the website of the Ministry i.e. www.minorityaffairs.gov.in.
The programmes/schemes under Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme are implemented by various Ministries/Departments of Government and also through State Governments/UT Administrations. The schemes are monitored at different levels including the review done by the Ministry of Minority Affairs as a Nodal Ministry and shortfalls wherever noticed are pointed out to the concerned Ministries/ Departments so as to take remedial action to ensure that the targets are achieved and available funds are utilized optimally. The State-wise details of physical/financial targets fixed and achievements made under the seven schemes, implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the details available of target fixed and achievements made under other schemes covered under PM’s New 15 PP during the least three years are on the website of the Ministry.
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