Major recommendations of the Report on ‘Social, Economic and Educational Status of the Muslim Community of India’, prepared under the Chairmanship of Justice Rajinder Sachar include the following:

(i)            Access of Education – Providing free and high quality education to children up to the age of 14, opening government schools in Muslim concentration areas, awarding scholarships, modernising Madarasas, etc.,

(ii)          Access to Credit – Promoting and enhancing access to Muslims in Priority Sector lending, open more branches in Muslim concentration areas, promote micro finance among women, etc.

(iii)          Skill Development – Opening ITIs and Polytechnics to focus on high growth potential in the Muslim concentration areas.

(iv)         Special Area Development Initiatives – Villages/ towns/ habitations to be provided with basic amenities, good quality government schools, health facilities, etc. for all poor including Muslims.

(v)         Wakf – better utilization of wakf properties, etc.

(vi)         Measures for Affirmative Action – Setting up of Equal Opportunity Commission (EOC), National Data Bank (NDB) and Assessment and Monitory Authority (AMA).

Giving this information in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today, Shri Vincent H. Pala, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, said that the recommendations are being implemented by concerned Ministries/ Departments of the Government.

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KKP/sl