Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has cautioned that the “Talibani mentality” on women’s liberty, dignity, empowerment and constitutional equality will not be tolerated in India. He was addressing the “Minorities Day Celebration” programme organised by the National Commission for Minorities, NCM, in New Delhi.
Naqvi said that those who opposed making the social evil of Triple Talaq a crime or raised question on removal of restriction on Muslim women to perform Haj with Mehram only and now creating commotion on the Constitutional equality regarding age of marriage of women are “Professional Protesters” of essence of the Indian Constitution.
Naqvi said that the Government has demolished “Duping Appeasement” by “Determination to Development with Dignity”. The Constitutional and social commitment of the Indians, especially the majority community, has ensured that socio-economic-educational, religious and other rights of Minorities are absolutely safe and secure in the country.
He said that while on one hand, believers of almost all religions of the world live in India; on the other hand, a large number of atheists also exist in the country with dignity and equal constitutional and social rights.
The Minister said that the Government led by Prime Minister ri Narendra Modi has worked with the commitment to “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” during the last 7 years which has ensured significant reforms and inclusive development of all sections of the society including the Minorities.
He lauded the role played by the National Commission for Minorities in safeguarding the interests and ensuring the welfare of minorities in the country.
Naqvi stated that the Government has provided a credible platform to indigenous artisans and craftsmen from every corner of the country through “Hunar Haat”. More than 7 lakh artisans, craftsmen and people associated with them have been provided employment and employment opportunities during the last 6 years.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla informed that Minorities should make themselves aware of the various schemes such as educational loans and scholarships for Minorities and avail benefits.
He said that assistance for construction of Sadbhawna Mandap, schools, colleges, hospitals and coaching centers are being funded under Prime Minister Jan Vikas Karyakram by the Ministry. He also requested that community leaders should create awareness about the schemes of Ministry of Minority Affairs available for Minorities.
Delivering the keynote address, NCM Chairman, Iqbal Singh Lalpura stated that barring few incidents, India has been riot-free in the last 7-8 years despite evil designs of the enemies of the nation. He informed that an Inter-Faith Coordination Council at the National level is being considered by the National Commission for Minorities and stressed that the same may also be considered at the State and District Level. Inter-faith research should be encouraged.
