Equal rights comm for minorities to be set up: Govt

11 Aug : The Centre has proposed setting up of an 'equal rights commission' with the objective of bringing minorities into the national mainstream, Union Minister Salman Khursheed has said.

"I am very hopeful that equal rights commission bill will be passed in next session of Parliament," the minister for minority and corporate affairs said at a function in Mumbai on Monday night.

Several Muslim organisations and leaders, during their interaction with the senior Congress leader, demanded measures to protect Wakf properties, reservation for Muslims in government jobs and development of minority-run educational institutions.

Schemes for minorities announced by states and the Centre would be reviewed and workshops at district level would be organised across the country, Khursheed said.

Maharashtra Minority Development Minister Anees Ahmed said the Centre should take measures to save Wakf properties.

Minorities have great expectations from the ministry after Sachar Committee report highlighted social, economic and educational backwardness of Muslims, he said.

The ministry was formed by the UPA government in 2006. A R Antulay, who held the charge before Khursheed, was present.

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By :  News Team

PM hails Mamata, says budget will make train journey enjoyable

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hailed Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for doing a "competent job" at a short notice, saying the Railway Budget will make train travel an "enjoyable experience".

"She (Mamata) has prepared a budget which does not impose burden by way of increase in freight charges or passenger charges," Dr Singh told reporters outside Parliament shortly after the Railway Budget 2009-10 was presented in Lok Sabha.   

"At the same time, she has, in keeping with our government's election promises, focussed her attention on passenger amenities like security and safety of rail travel, making it an enjoyable experience," he said.Dr Singh said the Railway Minister has mentioned a large number of facilities by way of using innovative financial mechanisms like public-private partnership (PPP), "to improve railway production and to finance more investment". 

"I, therefore, compliment her for a competent job she has accomplished in shortest available time," he said.
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By :  News Team