(a) whether the Minorities are not aware of availability of most of the Government schemes meant for their welfare and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the steps taken by the Government in this regard have proved to be insufficient; and
(c) if so, the steps Government proposes to take to make the Minorities aware of the availability of various schemes of the Government for them?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
(SHRI MUKHTAR ABBAS NAQVI)
(a) to (c) No, Madam. In order to create awareness about the schemes of the Ministry, the schemes and programmes are advertised through audio and video spots on Doordarshan Network, private television channels, All India Radio Network and FM channels. The advertisements are also displayed through digital cinema in theatres. Schemes are also uploaded on the website of the Ministry. The brochures containing details of scheme are distributed in the States by the Ministry during visits of Ministers/officers. Outdoor publicity is also done during exhibitions and fairs like Surajkund Mela, Trade Fair and Regional Fairs. In addition, publicity of the schemes /programmes are done through display Boards at prominent places like metro stations, railway stations, bus terminals etc. Video spots are also run through LCD/LED screens at prime locations. Therefore, sufficient awareness generation for the schemes/ programmes for the welfare of minorities have already been undertaken. The schemes of the Ministry for individual beneficiaries such as Scholarship schemes, Skill Development schemes, Nai Roshni, Free Coaching have been implemented successfully and targets under these schemes have been achieved.
***