By TCN News,
New Delhi: The Central Government took several decisions on the recommendations of the Sachar Committee for economic uplift of the Muslim community and financial services in areas of their concentration. Up to 30th September 2010, the government took the following steps.
–All public sector banks have been directed to open more branches in districts having a substantial minority population. In 2007-08, 523 branches were opened in such districts. In 2008-09, 537 new branches were opened. In 2009-10, 743 new branches were opened. During 2010-11, 162 branches have been opened in such districts.
–RBI revised its Master Circular on 5th July, 2007 on priority sector lending (PSL) for improving credit facilities to minority communities. Since 2007-08, Rs.1,17,761 crore upto June 2010, which is 13.77% of total PSL were provided to minorities.
–District Consultative Committees (DCCs) of lead banks are regularly monitoring the disposal and rejection of loan applications for minorities.
–To promote micro-finance among women, 4,67,082 accounts have been opened for minority women with Rs.3373 crore as micro-credit in 2010-11.
–All public sector banks are organizing awareness campaigns in blocks/districts/towns with substantial minority population. In 2010-11, 1905 awareness campaigns were organized in such areas.
–Lead banks have organized 313 entrepreneurial development programmes in blocks/districts/towns with substantial minority population.
Now it is for the community organizations, social activists and community media to cross-check these claims of the government and to see if really any change is taking place on the ground.