By TCN Staff Reporter,
New Delhi: The Planning Commission Steering Committee on “Empowerment of Minorities” has proposed Rs 41,685.04 Crore for the 12th Plan period, a jump of about six times from the Rs 7000 Crore allocated for the 11th Plan period. This is the result of joint efforts and united approach of Muslim Members of Parliament, cutting across party affiliation, as well as some civil groups, prominently Centre for Social Justice.
The steering committee has recommended that Blocks with 15% or above Muslim population in place of Districts should be the basic unit for MsDP program for MCDs in 12th plan period. Another major recommendation is the extension of PMs 15-Point Program to Small and Medium Industries, youth affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development. This will bring 16 Ministries in the ambit of the Program. The committee has also recommended creation of Department for Minorities Welfare. This will increase the number of regular staff in Central and State Minority affairs departments.
Persistent efforts of Muslim MPs and the networking of Center for Social Justice along with IAMC’s conference calls from US played key role in convincing the Steering Committee to raise allocation for minority development.
Muslim MPs meeting Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Muslim issues in New Delhi on 12th Dec. 2011
The efforts started two years ago, says Aariz Mohammad, director Centre for Social Justice, when he went with hike proposals and development projects to Azeez Pasha (now ex-MP, Rajya Sabha) and K Rahman Khan, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha. Both readily accepted his proposals. The first meeting with Planning Commission was held on 23rd March 2011 with a team of 29 MPs. It was first time in the history of Planning Commission that Muslim MPs in such a large number had met with concrete proposals, says Aariz, adding that almost all the demands are now reflected in the Steering Committee Report.
Many consultations were held with high profile Members of National Advisory Council and Planning Commission. The first consultation of Muslim MPs was held with Harsh Mandar, Member, NAC and the second held with NC Saxena, former Secretary of Planning Commission and NAC Member. The third such consultation was held with Sayeeda Saiyedain Hameed and Narendra Jadav, both Members, Planning Commission. The delegation of Muslim MPs also met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on 12th December 2011.
Key recommendations of the Steering Committee:
1. Well-endowed Department for Minorities Welfare.
2. MOU with states to facilitate the Implementation of programmes with more accountability.
3. Making Muslims part of planning process from village level to intervene in the development lacunae through a District officer well equipped with staff.
4. Priority to Skill development, automatic renewal of Scholarships pegged with Wholesale price index and made Demand driven.
5. Blocks with 15% Muslim population in place of Districts will be the basic unit MCD in 12th plan period.
6. Extension of PMs 15 PP to Small and Medium Industries, youth affairs, Agriculture and Rural Development with 15% of their Physical and financial outlay enmarked for Minorities up to Settlement/ hamlet /Ward level.
7. Special schools for Minorities in Minority concentrated Blocks/ cities/ towns to ensure 50% community children.
8. Comprehensive scheme for Women, Youth to empower upto village level in the areas of Livelihood, equal development etc.,
9. Urban Youth support-line to percolate and facilitate Programmes and Schemes with guidance for community in co-ordination with NGOs.
10. Protection and projection of Minority Culture and Heritage with adequate fund support.