Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs today showcased the two years achievements of her Ministry in a well-attended function here today on completion of two years of the NDA government. Speaking on the occasion. Dr.Najma said increase in Plan budget of Ministry in 2016-17 by more than Rs. 168 crores over 2015-16 expenditure is a proof of government’s commitment towards development of minorities. She reiterated that priority focus of the government has been development of minorities through skill development and educational empowerment. While new initiatives ‘Nai Manzil’ and ‘USTTAD’ were launched, budget outlay for ‘Seekho aur Kamao’ (Learn and Earn) was increased during last two years to achieve the vision of ‘Sabka Saath,Sabka Vikaas’. Advocating the dignity of labour, the Minister advised the minorities to excel in whatever they do. She informed that Aligarh Muslim University has agreed to open 100 public schools in PPP mode where BPL students can have access to quality education.
The Ministry has given 10 crore rupees for 10 such schools to be run by AMU. Reiterating the resolve to fight backwardness and illiteracy, the Minister asked the members of minority communities to come forward and reap the benefits of various schemes being implemented by her ministry. Reiterating her Ministry’s commitment, Dr. Najma appreciated her officers and staff saying that entire team is working hard to translate the guiding principle ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ in to reality.For Seekho and Kamao’ against about Rs. 17 crore in 2013-14 , Rs. 46 crore were spent in 2014-15 and Rs. 191.96 crore in 2015-16. This marks eleven fold increase in 2 years in funding.This helped in wider reach registering six fold increase in number of beneficiaries and at the same time 1.84 time increase in training support funding per beneficiary in two years (higher quality training).Of these 42% beneficiaries were girls. Data of trainers and trainee available in public domain on website for accountability and transparency.
Talking about the new initiatives like the ‘Nai Manzil’,‘USTTAD and ‘Hamari Dharohar’ taken up by the ministry for the development of the minorities she said ‘Nai Manzil’ for school dropouts – will give skill training and get them educational certificate of class 8th /10th.Appreciating the scheme while granting loan of $50 million, World Bank also recommended this for other countries too. Refring to USTTAD, she said that ustaads are not only in the field of education but also in the field of skills also.The scheme provides for preservation and promotion of the traditonal arts and crafts practiced by minorities and branding Master Craftsmen. The Minister also spoke on other rogrammes of the Ministry.During this event a short film showcasing the achievements of the ministry was also screened.Two MoUs were also signed for skill development by Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills (MANAS). MANAS signed an MOU with AA EduTech (P) Ltd., an organization of the former cricketer Shri K. Srikanth and another with Madhya Pradesh Madarsa Board.
Six books were also released on the occasion. These include Two years (2014-16) initiatives and achievements of the Minority Affairs Ministry, Model Waqf Rules,2016 and four books translated under “Hamari Dharohar” scheme (A project to Dairatul Maarifil Osmania (an institution established in 1888 AD), Osmania University, Telangana for translation from Arabic language into English, digitization and re-printing of 240 invaluable documents belonging to Moghul period on the subjects of Medicines, Mathematics, Literature, etc.)Of these four books one was on medicine, one on mathematics, one on Philosophy of Debate an one on History of Music.Taking forward the concept of Digital India the Minister also launched Nai Udan Portal, and the MANAS web Portal for Geographical Information System (GIS) Mapping of training centers of MANAS and their online monitoring and evaluation through real time CCTV cameras.The Minister also inaugurated 10 new skill development centers established in traditional educational institutions in Leh (Laddakh) and the NCR Region through remote Video Link.
Dr. Najma also felicitated young achievers of the minority communities. Of five candidates selected in the civil services examination 2016, three were present.These are Ms.Gurleen Kaur, Ms.Yangchen Bhutia and Sheikh Ansaar Ahmaed . She also felicitated the outstanding trainees/ beneficiaries under the various schemes of the ministry. These include Ms. Arshi Khanum from Moradabad,Shri M Saiful Islam from Bijnor,Ms Ranjeet Kaur and Shri Gurvinder Sing both from Ludhiana(all Seekho aur Kamao Scheme) and Rashida Ansari from Kashipur(UK) and Ms. Asma Shaikh Qadir from Mumbai (NMFDC). Some other achievers were also felicitated. An exhibition of photographs and craft works was at display in Vigyan Bhawan.Ministers, Diplomats, many dignitaries from the different communities were also present at the program, prominent partners in skill development projects and officers from the Ministry were present on the occasion.