Young Achievers
of Minority Communities Steal the Show
Working
Hard to Translate “Sabka Saath,Sabka Vikas” in to Reality: Dr. Najma Heptulla
‘NAI
MANZIL’ Launched for School Dropouts: ‘Usttad’ for Development of Tradional
Arts/Crafts: Dr. Najma Heptulla
Two
Mous Signed; Six Books Released; Two Portals Launched and Ten New Skill
Development Centres Inaugurated
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.
****
AT