Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh today said that the government is committed to cater to the developmental and other needs of each community in the State besides safeguarding their interests so that they don’t feel left out and deprived of the benefits of development. The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a delegation of Sikhs of Kashmir valley led by MLC Mr. Charanjeet Singh Khalsa. Senior leader S. Avtar Singh was also present on the occasion.The Deputy Chief Minister said that the Government is fully aware of the demands of the Sikh community and in this regard necessary redressal measures would be initiated so that they do not feel left out. He said that the Government is committed for ensuring socio economic upliftment of every section of the society and in this regard several schemes have also been initiated.
Dr. Singh said that the Sikhs have been contributing immensely towards the upliftment of the nation and have rendered enumerable sacrifices which would be remembered for ages to come. He said that every section of the society should come forward and contribute their bit in ensuring that the country becomes a hub of development, brotherhood and mutual coexistence.Responding to the various demands put forth by the delegation, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the issues raised by them would be taken up with the concerned departments for early redressal.The demands projected by the delegation included proper representation of the Sikh community in State Legislature and Cabinet, Teaching of Punjabi Language in Kashmir University, announcement of employment packages to the Sikh youths, granting of minority status to the Sikhs besides other issues.