By TCN News,
New Delhi: Muslims enrolled at secondary level of education from among those in education system is 10.2% which is higher than 9.8% for Scheduled Tribes. The enrollment at the same level for Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes is 11.3% and 12.5% respectively.
The information was given in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha by Salman Khurshid, Minister of Minority Affairs. He based this information on the report of 64th Round (2007-08) of National Sample Survey (NSS).
Students at Hajjan Bibi Soghra Hasan Memorial Urdu Girls School in Darbhanga
The minister further said that Muslims currently attending educational institutions at secondary level are 5.0% in urban area and this is higher than 4.5% for Muslims in rural area. Khurshid said that Sachar Committee had used, inter-alia, data of 55th Round (1999-2000) and 61st Round (2004-05) of National Sample Survey (NSS); and the Ranganath Mishra Commission had used, inter-alia, data of 55th Round (1999-2000) and 2001 Census.
In his reply, the minister enlisted the measures of UPA Government to uplift the minority. He informed the House that the Government has taken a number of steps for the welfare of minorities and these include, the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities which was announced in June, 2006. It promotes inclusive development by ensuring that a certain proportion of development projects are located in minority concentration areas and, wherever possible, 15% of targets and outlays under various schemes included in the programme are earmarked for minorities.
Besides, through three scholarship schemes 37.14 lakh scholarships have been awarded to the students belonging to minority communities since 2007-08. Moreover, a special area development programme called Multi-sectoral Development Programme is implemented in 90 minority concentration districts. Under this programme 6749 additional class rooms and 559 school buildings have been approved for these districts, said the minister.