Govt to spend Rs 875 cr more on minorities

Union water resources and minority affairs minister Salman Khurshid on Tuesday said the government would be spending Rs 7,875 crore on various programmes and schemes for minorities during the 11th Plan (2007-12), against an allocation of Rs 7,000 crore.

Union water resources and minority affairs minister Salman Khurshid on Tuesday said the government would be spending Rs 7,875 crore on various programmes and schemes for minorities during the 11th Plan (2007-12), against an allocation of Rs 7,000 crore.

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Replying to a discussion on the working of the ministry of minority affairs in the Rajya Sabha, Khurshid said the government had taken steps to increase the accessibility of loans to minorities, provide more scholarships to students and carry out development in 90 minority concentrated districts.

He said the 15-point programme for the welfare of minorities was being implemented separately.

Khurshid said the issue of bringing more districts into the fold of minority concentrated districts would have to be considered by the Planning Commission.

Describing reservation for minorities as a "serious matter", he said the government was examining where reservations were required. Not only the Opposition but Congress members also urged the government to do more for minorities.

Congress MP K Rahman Khan slammed the government for the tardy progress of welfare schemes for minorities.