To ensure successful implementation of development projects and schemes launched by government in 150 districts of the country, government on Friday started monitoring their status.
“We must understand the ground reality of these areas to take necessary steps. Government is committed to uplifting the minority community and it is important to monitor the schemes launched for this purpose,” minority affairs minister Salman Khurshid told reporters here after inaugurating a two day-long workshop for monitoring the schemes aimed to benefit the community.
Khurshid said, “We agree that there were complaints about the programs launched by the ministry. But one cannot say that nothing has happened in this regard. A lot still needs to be done.”
Talking about fellowship and scholarship schemes launched by the government, he said, “In 2010, 60 lakhs scholarships were granted. Besides that, more than 750 fellowships were issued by UGC for students belonging to the minority community. In the next two years, we are planning to give around 1 crore scholarships.”
About Wakf Bill, which is lying with the selection committee of Parliament, Khurshid said, “Chances are very slim that the Wakf Bill would be passed in the coming Monsoon Session of Parliament. The selection committee has not given its view on it.”
The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha in 2010. All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has objected to the Bill’s present format, saying that it does not address concerns of the Muslim community.