By IANS,
New Delhi: The government has disbursed over Rs.585 crore to more than 2.5 lakh beneficiaries for the economic development of minority communities in India over the last four years, an official said Wednesday.
Of this, Rs.197.74 crore was disbursed to over one lakh beneficiaries in 2009-10, the spokesperson of the minority affairs ministry said.
He said that the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), under the aegis of the ministry, has cumulatively disbursed the term loans and micro finance to ensure equitable share to minorities in economic activities and employment.
“It is an important component of the prime minister’s 15-point programme for the welfare of minorities.”
To ensure providing access to credit, 1,759 bank branches have been opened in districts having a substantial minority population, he said.
“During 2009-10, 699 bank branches were opened. Priority Sector Lending (PSL) for minorities, which stood at Rs.58,662 crore in 2007-08, has increased to Rs.108,850 crore in 2009-10. This represents 9.67 percent of the total PSL in 2007-08 and 12.64 percent in 2009-10. The target for minorities for the next three years has been fixed at 15 percent of total PSL.”