New Delhi:

K. Rahman Khan, the Union Minister of Minority Affairs has suggested to set up a Committee of the three Business Chambers and Ministry of Labour and Employment to give impetus to the efforts to promote Skill Development and Employment Opportunities in Public and Private Sectors for minorities. The Minister said this here today while chairing a meeting to review the status of recruitment of minorities in Government organizations/ Departments, Public and private sectors. Seeking cooperation of CII, FICCI and PHDCCI for the entrepreneurship development for minorities, the Minister asked to join hands with the efforts and initiatives of the Ministry as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility for Skill Development.

Referring to Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) of the Ministry for creation of infrastructure like ITIs, Polytechnics etc. in minority concentration blocks and towns, the Minister desired that the three Chambers should weave their efforts and partner to augment the Ministry’s initiatives.

The Minister also suggested to launch a sustained awareness campaign to disseminate information on the initiatives taken by the Ministry in partnership with Private Sector. Elaborating about the activities of Maulana Azad Educational Foundation, Shri Khan wanted that all efforts must be made to make use of MAEF as a vehicle for educational advancement of minorities. The Minister urged that the resources of private business houses can be provided to MAEF under the Corporate Social Responsibility for the development of minorities in the fields of education, infrastructure development, providing scholarships, skill development and entrepreneurial development. Informing that Government intends to give incentive to the institution that promote diversity, the Minister also wanted to know what else Government can do for such institutions.

Earlier, reviewing the minorities’ status in employment in Government and public sector, the Minister directed the Department of Personnel and Training to ensure that all Selection Boards/ Committees for recruitment in Government and Public Sector must have a Member belonging to minority community. He further directed to sensitize all Government Departments in this regard and to provide a status report.

The officials from Ministry of Labour and Employment, Department of Personnel and Training, Department of Public Enterprises, representatives of CII, FICCI, PHDCCI along with the senior officers of the Ministry of Minority Affairs attended the meeting.

source: http://www.nvonews.com / Northern Voices Online / Home / June 12th, 2013