Shimla :

Social justice and empowerment minister Dhani Ram Shandil has requested the Centre to include Himachal Pradesh under multi sectoral development programme for welfare of minorities in the state.

He raised this demand with minister for minority affairs Najma Heptulla  in New Delhi on Thursday. He informed the minister that Himachal Pradesh had not been included under this programme being implemented by the central government and as a result of this, minorities in the state were not able to take benefits of this. He said that the state had around 4.5% population of minority communities.

Shandil also demanded opening of at least two residential schools in the state for children from minority communities so as to facilitate them in getting higher education. He also requested for strengthening of HP minorities community financial and development corporation so that loans on minimum rate of interests could be provided to more youth. He also requested enhancement of financial assistance to kids under vocational training.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> India / August 22nd, 2014