Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath to provide financial assistance for poor muslims marriage

Working towards its promise of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh is focusing on minority welfare.

The Uttar Pradesh government under Yogi Adityanath will provide monetary assistance to poor Muslim families for their daughter's marriage.

The government also plans to organise mass weddings for them under a scheme which will be run jointly by the Central government.    

Video link:

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/video/cm-yogi-adityanath-muslim-weddings-mehar/1/928081.html

SADBHAVNA MANDAPS

A month since coming to power in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government has chalked out a roadmap for inclusive development.

As part of the pilot, the Yogi Adityanath government is planning to organise 100 mass weddings across all the districts of Uttar Pradesh at 'Sadbhavna Mandaps'.

If the scheme receives a good response, the government plans to make it a bi-annual affair. Sources said the scheme is meant for poor Muslim families.

IT WAS THE CM's IDEA

Till now, the state government was providing a financial assistance of Rs 20,000 to below-poverty line (BPL) families for their daughter's marriage. Many alleged that the scheme was marred by corruption and had little representation from Muslim families.

Mohsin Raza, the Minister of State for Minority Affairs in the Yogi Adityanath cabinet, said the idea to organise mass weddings for Muslim girls came from the chief minister himself.

"I am extremely happy that the chief minister made the proposal of Sadbhavna Mandap," said Mohsin Raza.

Reference:

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/yogi-adityanath-mass-weddings-for-poor-muslims-sadbhavna-mandap/1/928156.html

Telangana Chief Minister KCR passes bill for 12% quota for Muslims - Apr 2017

Reference:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/telangana-assembly-passes-bill-to-hike-muslim-quota-to-12/article18071406.ece


The reservations for the Scheduled Tribes in educational institutions and government jobs has been increased from 6% to 10%.

The Telangana Legislature on Sunday passed the Bill enhancing the reservations for Muslims and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to 12% and 10% respectively for admission into educational institutions and for the State services.

By doing so, the government has fulfilled one of the major assurances given by Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao in the run up to the previous elections.

Currently, reservations for Muslims is at 4%, while for Scheduled Tribes, it is at 6%.

The Bill, termed as historical by the ruling TRS and the MIM, received support from the Congress and the CPI (Marxist) even as the BJP opposed the Bill claiming that reservation on the basis of religion was against the constitutional norms. Five BJP members were suspended from the House when they tried to obstruct the proceedings by raising slogans and displaying placards after they were not allowed to speak.

Piloting the Bill, the Chief Minister said the Bill was proposed to address concerns expressed over the inclusive development of marginalised population as the proportion of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minorities — especially Muslims — had increased post bifurcation. This was mainly on account of higher concentration of these communities in the new State when compared to Rayalaseema and Andhra regions of the erstwhile united State.

The population of the STs, for instance, increased to 9.08% post bifurcation as compared to 7.11% in the undivided State. The share of Muslim population too increased from 9.56% in the united State to 12.68% (population of 44.64 lakh) after the formation of Telangana. The Government had constituted commissions of inquiry headed by retired IAS officers G. Sudhir and S. Chellappa to examine the special measures including enhancement of reservation for socially and educationally backward classes/communities as also for SCs and STs for uplifting them from backwardness.

The Commission had observed that Telangana had much higher proportion of BCs/weaker sections, particularly under the E category and revealed that they suffered more discrimination and deprivation. It had recommended provision of an additional 6% reservation for the BC (E) group. Mr. Chellappa’s commission which studied the situation of the STs extensively recommended enhancement of reservation for tribes from 6% to 9.08%.

The Chief Minister said the Government was working out modalities for enhancing the quota for SCs and backward classes too and a study had already been commissioned in this regard. Modalities for enhancing quota for these sections would be announced soon after the receipt of recommendations on the condition of these sections and the Government had fixed a timeline of six months for the completion of the entire process, Mr. Rao said.

IANS adds...
After the state legislative council passes it by late Sunday evening, the Bill will be sent for the President’s assent with a request to include it in the 9th Schedule of the Constitution as was done in the case of Tamil Nadu.

Replying to debate on the bill, Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao said if the Centre refuses to accept Telengana’s request, the state would approach the Supreme Court.

Mr. Rao said, “Tamil Nadu is implementing 69% reservations for over two decades. Five to six states are providing more than 50% reservation. How can you deny this to Telangana?”

The Supreme Court has put a cap of 50% on all reservations both at the Centre and in the states.

The Chief Minister clarified that the reservations were being provided purely on the basis of socio-economic backwardness and not on the basis of religion or caste as some parties were project before the people.

Terming it as a historic day, Mr. Rao said the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) had during the election campaigns promised that quota for the Backward Classes (E) and the Scheduled Tribes will be increased in proportion to their population in the state.

He assured the Backward Classes that there will be no injustice to them because of increase in quota for the BC (E) and announced that the quota for the BCs too will be increased. The State government has directed the Backward Classes Commission to submit a report within six months.

Mr. Rao also said that the reservation for the SCs, who constitute 16.3% of the state’s population, will be increased by 1%. He said the government would soon constitute an SC Commission.

The SCs are currently enjoying 15% reservations while the BCs have a total quota of 25%.

The legislation will increase the total reservations in the State to 62%.

The Chief Minister argued that there is no constitutional bar on providing more than 50% reservation.

Mr. Rao said with 90% of Telangana’s population comprising the Backward Classes, SCs, STs and minorities, the State definitely needed more than 50% reservation, and pointed out that states like Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand were already providing more than 50% quota.

The Telangana Chief Minister made it clear that he will not beg the Centre but will fight to get the new quotas included in the 9th Schedule.

KCR, as the Chief Minister is popularly known, said Telangana would raise this issue at the meeting of the Niti Aayog and in Parliament. He hoped that a debate on the issue will begin and consensus will build at the national level.

He defended the State’s hike in quota for Muslims and hit back at the BJP for opposing it.

“Why can’t we give them reservation? Why should they be denied reservation just because they are Muslims? Are they not part of this country,” asked Mr. Rao in the absence of all five members of the BJP, who were earlier suspended for the day by the Speaker for disrupting the proceedings.

He pointed out that India has the largest Muslim community in the world and even some of the so-called Islamic countries do not have such a large Muslim population.

KCR said the promise to increase the Muslim quota was part of the TRS manifesto and people approved this agenda by giving their mandate to the party.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) suggested that the government take steps to protect the existing 4% reservation while increasing the quota by 8%. Its member Ahmed Pasha Khadri said a new category BC (F) be created for hiked quota.

The Chief Minister, however, said there was no need for any apprehensions as there will be no threat to the existing four 4% reservations.

Telangana govt to set up 70 minority residential schools worth 800 crores by June 2017

Hyderabad: The Telangana government is keen to operationalise the 70 minorities residential schools, which it had sanctioned earlier this year, latest by June 2017.




At the first meeting of the board of governors of the Telangana Minorities Residential Educational Institutions Society, convened by minister of education Kadiyam Srihari, at his chambers on Monday, officials of various departments were advised to prepare a detailed road map on the issue. He instructed the secretary of the Minorities Welfare Department (MWD) Syed Omer Jaleel to keep him apprised of the developments with regard to the same.

Deputy chief minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali, who is the chief patron, said that the officials have been instructed to begin efforts to identify land parcels where these schools can be constructed.

They have been advised to coordinate with the administration of various districts.

"We have identified 35 buildings where the schools will run and the search for the remaining ones is on," the deputy chief minister Ali added. "Students will not have to take any entrance test to study here," he further shared.

Sources said that setting up of these schools will give rise of employment of both teaching and non-teaching staff.

The posts, the sources added, are likely to filled in the next two years.

Reference:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Telangana-govt-to-set-up-70-minority-residential-schools-by-June/articleshow/51102681.cms

Chandrababu Naidu has increased allocation of funds for construction of churches - 2017

Guntur: The AP government has increased allocation of funds for construction of churches. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who participated in the Christmas celebrations at Swasthisala at Kakani in Guntur district on Sunday, handed over the copy of a GO, which stated that the funds for construction of a church have been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, to the Christian community elders. Mr Naidu recited holy verses from the Bible and explained about the motto of Christianity to the devotees on the occasion.
Mr Naidu, quoting the words of Mother Theresa, “Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love”, urged the people to collectively working for the development of the society which, in turn, would  develop the state.He said that no other state in India was offering gifts to the poor on every festival, except AP. The TD government has offered Chandranna Christmas Kanuka to Christians with an expenditure of Rs 334 crore.
He said the  state government had spend Rs 57 crore for the welfare of Christians and increased aid for Jerusalem pilgrimage to Rs 40,000 from Rs 20,000. Responding to the request of the Swasthisala organisers about providing special train to Kakani on Monday and Saturday, Mr. Naidu said that public in large numbers visit the Swasthisala on both the days and so, the APSRTC will increase the number of bus services. He also promised about taking the issue of special train to the notice of the railway department. He assured the community  of protecting the assets of churches.

Reference:

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/261216/ap-government-increases-funds-to-churches.html

Chandrababu Naidu doubles financial assistance for Jerusalem pilgrimages to Rs 40,000

GUNTUR: The State government has enhanced financial assistance for Christians, who go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, from `20,000 to `40,000 per person. Further, it has increased financial aid for construction of churches from the present `one lakh to `three lakh. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu made the announcement and handed over copies of government order to the Bible Mission organiser J Samuel Raj and other Christian elders during the Christmas celebrations organised at Swasthi Sala in  Pedakakani, Guntur district on Sunday.

Naidu also participated in mass prayers held on the occasion and read out a stanza from the Bible presented to him. Later addressing the audience, he said Jesus Christ was born to spread love, peace and affection among the people and showed the right path to humanity through his life. He appealed to the people to try and spread peace for the welfare of mankind.
Elaborating on the welfare measures launched by his government, the CM pointed out that AP had been facing a severe financial crisis ever since the State was divided in 2014. “But we never compromised on welfare activities, especially those meant to help the poor and the downtrodden. Despite financial constraints, the state government has allocated `57 crore for the upliftment of the Christian community and sanctioned another `13 crore for the welfare of the Christian poor,” he said.
Naidu also recalled that the state government had distributed essential commodities worth `334 crore through the Chandranna Kanuka to the people across the state.

“The government is already taking care of the Christian community’s assets in the State. We will soon submit a proposal to the Railway Ministry to arrange a special train to stop at Padakakani Swasthi Sala and also provide special buses on Monday and Saturday. Priority will be given to sanction funds for churches online,” he promised.

Reference:

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2016/dec/26/naidu-doubles-financial-assistance-for-jerusalem-pilgrimages-to-rs-40000-1553102.html

Mamata Banerjee gives Rs 22 crore Ramzan special food package for Muslims in West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee's second term in West Bengal has already started and in a move to woo the Muslim community living in West Bengal in large number, she has decided that appeasement would continue by her political party.

New Delhi, June 8: Mamata Banerjee’s second term in West Bengal has already started and in a move to woo the Muslim community living in West Bengal in large number, Didi has decided that minority appeasement would continue by her political party.

In first of its kind in the country, the West Bengal government had cleared Rs 22 crore for distributing a special food packet named as ‘Ramzan package’ in a subsidised rate through its public distribution system. The Ramzan package will include ingredients sugar, flour and chickpeas which are commonly used to prepare the recipes for Iftar.

Jyotipriya Mallik, state food minister said, “this is the first time that the West Bengal government have come up with such scheme for Muslim for brothers and sisters”. Malik further added, “the service will be avail by the government by showing ration cards. The card will bear a stamp of Ramzan food package after availing the scheme”. Read Also: (Narendra Modi greets Muslims on beginning of Ramzan)

The minister also added that the scheme is not restricted for minorities only. “Anybody with a card can avail these. The ration card will bear a stamp of Ramzan food package after availing the scheme,” Mallik further added.

The packets will be distributed twice during the Ramzan month between June 7 and 24. Mallik further added that the government would continue with Rs 2 per kg rice for all during this period. The decision of providing Ramzan package was preceded another populist policy. After assuming office for the second term Mamata, in her first cabinet meeting announced largesse for the state government employees that have already added a financial burden of Rs 3,000 crore to the exchequer.

Reference:

http://www.india.com/news/india/mamata-banerjee-gifts-rs-22-crore-ramzan-special-food-package-for-muslims-1245534/

Chandrababu Naidu funds Urdu university for Muslims with 125 acres of land in Kurnool district

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday laid the foundation stone for a Urdu university in Kurnool district, and said his government has taken a major step for the development of the language by deciding to set up the institution.

The university is coming up in Urvakallu on 125 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs.20 crore.

Kurnool district in Rayalseema region has the highest concentration of Muslims in the state.

On the occasion, Naidu said Urdu was not only being treated as the second official language in the state but the government has also taken a major step for the development of the language by deciding to set up the university.

Naidu said the university would help in educational development of students from minority community and create employment opportunities.

Recalling the role played by him in setting up of the Moulana Azad National Urdu University in Hyderabad, the chief minister said his government would ensure development of minorities at par with other communities.

Naidu said the government was giving top priority to development of Urdu and welfare of minorities.

Under the 'Dulhan' scheme, a financial assistance of Rs.50,000 is being given for marriage of poor Muslim girls.

The chief minister said an education hub would be established over 900 acres in Kurnool. He said Visakhapatnam, Amaravati and Kurnool would be developed as three educational hubs in the state.

Visit:

http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/chandrababu-lays-foundation-stone-for-urdu-varsity-in-andhra-115110901365_1.html

Jayalalitha wants to extend SC status to Christians. Urges Center to implement it

From NDTV:

File photo

CHENNAI:  Noting that social tensions of unbalanced growth between Hindu scheduled castes (SC) and Christian converts have only "aggravated" over time, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday said the Centre should treat scheduled caste Christians on par with Hindus, Sikhs or Buddhists and include them in the SC list.

 "The social tensions over the status of unbalanced growth between Hindu scheduled castes and Christian converts have aggravated over time and a sense of alienation among the minority communities has further deepened. I wish to emphasise that the matter cannot brook any further delay," Ms Jayalalithaa said in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Requesting Mr Singh that the SC Christians be included in the list of Scheduled Castes annexed to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, she said to enable this, as recommended by the Ranganath Mishra Commission, para 3 of the Order must be deleted.

Prompt action should now be taken by the Government to initiate the necessary statutory steps to include all Scheduled Castes irrespective of religion within the ambit of the status of SCs listed in the Order, and bring in necessary legislation in the current session of Parliament, she noted.

Continuing to keep the benefits of reservation in public services "out of reach" of scheduled caste Christians because of the "restrictive definition" of scheduled caste found in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, is an "ongoing injustice" and must be ended "forthwith", she urged.

She wanted the Centre to file counter affidavits supporting the request of SC Christians, for early disposal of pending pleas in Supreme Court challenging the validity of para 3.

Holding that the Order was not "carved on stone", Jayalalithaa said it must be amended in tune with the socio-economic realities of modern day India. 

Referring to the Order that SCs means such castes, races or tribes or parts of or groups within such castes, races or tribes as are deemed under article 341 to be "Scheduled Castes" for the purposes of the Constitution, she said it is apparent that the Constitution does not confine the category of SCs to any select religion.

From The Hindu:

Legislation to list them as SCs should be brought in current session of Parliament, she says in letter to PM

Strongly backing the demand of Dalit Christians for inclusion in the list of Scheduled Castes, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that “the matter cannot brook any further delay” and necessary legislation should be brought in the current session of Parliament.

Ms. Jayalalithaa said such persons, as a result of their exclusion, remained outside the purview of all Centrally-assisted welfare and ameliorative measures. Most importantly, they were excluded from the benefit of reservation in educational institutions and employment in public services for the Scheduled Castes, she said in the letter.

“The social tensions over the status of unbalanced growth between the Hindu Scheduled Castes and the Christian converts have only aggravated over time and the sense of alienation among the minority communities has further deepened,” she said, while underscoring the need for early inclusion.

She cited recommendations of the National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities headed by Justice Ranganath Misra in support of the demand.

Recalling that she had written to the then Prime Minister P. Narasimha Rao, on the issue, in November 1995, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the substantive grounds she had listed in that letter were reiterated and endorsed by the Commission.

The restrictive nature of the definition of the term “Scheduled Castes” in para 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 was an issue. The various welfare measures and policies designed for the Scheduled Castes have largely benefited only those among the Scheduled Castes who profess Hinduism, Sikhism and Buddhism, she said.

“Since my government is committed to a policy of affirmative action in favour of the Scheduled Castes, irrespective of creed or religion, we have done our utmost to implement schemes that will benefit Scheduled Castes converted to Christianity on par with other Scheduled Castes,” she said.

The Chief Minister urged Dr. Singh that the Centre should initiate necessary statutory steps to include all Scheduled Castes irrespective of religion within the ambit of the status of Scheduled Castes listed in the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950.

She also wanted him to ensure that the Centre filed its counter-affidavit in pending writ petitions in the Supreme Court in this regard. The National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities found that the Constitution of India prohibits any discrimination between citizens on the basis of caste, and yet it sanctions special affirmative measures for Scheduled Castes.

At the same time, the Constitution prohibits any discrimination on the ground of religion. The Commission concluded that any religion-based discrimination in selecting particular castes for affirmative action will conflict with the letter and spirit of the Constitutional provisions, the Chief Minister said.

Reference:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/jayalalithaa-bats-for-dalit-christians/article5006494.ece

http://www.ndtv.com/south/tamil-nadu-chief-minister-jayalalithaa-wants-centre-to-include-christians-in-scheduled-castes-list-531065

http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article1374710.ece

Chandrababu Naidu sanctions Rs 2.5 Cr for mosques upgrade and renovation and free food

Hyderabad, June 18,2015: With the holy month of Ramadan beginning from June 19th, the Andhra Pradesh government has allotted Rs 2.5 crore for the renovation and upgradation of existing mosques, run by the government and the Wakf Board. This amount will also be utilized to provide adequate arrangements for people who perform special prayers.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has extended Ramadan greetings to the Muslim community. He wished that the Muslim community continues to be happy, healthy and prosperous and also vowed to take care of the welfare of the minorities in the state.

Ramadan, he said, is a month that can transform our lives, renewing and reinventing ourselves showering kindness and compassion to others. "I wish you embody the spirit of this season and also be part of the development of the new State of Andhra Pradesh," the Chief Minister said.

Also:

AP CM Chandrababu Naidu has announced the sops for poor Muslims on the festive occasion of Ramzan. He has released a poster in this regard. The AP Civil Supplies Minister Paritala Sunitha announced that Muslims falling under the BPL category will be given a gift pack of 5 kgs of wheat flour, 1 kg semiya, 2 kgs of sugar, 100 grams of ghee in the name of Chandranna Ramzan Tohfa. - See more at: http://www.ap7am.com/lv-192860-ap-cm-announces-ramzan-tohfa-for-poor-muslims.html#sthash.pwgjUZ5m.dpuf

Reference:

http://www.ap7am.com/lv-192860-ap-cm-announces-ramzan-tohfa-for-poor-muslims.html

http://www.newswala.com/Hyderabad-News/Chandrababu-Naidu-sanctions-Rs-2.5-Cr-for-mosques-with-the-holy-month-of-Ramadan-2015-165769.html

Akhilesh Yadav government to withdraw cases against accused Muslim leaders for rioting - 2014

The decision, officially taken in “public interest”, has evoked strong reactions from opposition parties which have termed it as divisive and another example of the SP’s Muslim appeasement politics.In another obvious gambit to lure the minority vote bank ahead of the Lok Sabha election, the Akhilesh Yadav regime has decided to withdraw criminal cases related to the recent Muzaffarnagar riots against 16 Muslim leaders including BSP MP Qader Rana. Sources say SP wants Rana to join the party and be its nominee for the Muzaffar nagar Lok Sabha seat. Rana has earlier been an SP legislator.

(7 January 2014 )

Reference:
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-akhilesh-yadav-government-to-withdraw-cases-against-muslim-leaders-accused-of-rioting-1946504

Tamilnadu CM Jayalalitha provided 4,500 tonnes of free rice to mosques for Ramzan using public funds

The Jayalalitha government provides 4,500 tonnes of rice to the mosques across Tamil Nadu for distributing gruel during Ramzan (June 19,2015). 

The rice is provided to about 3,000 mosques in the state through the respective district authorities. Even Muslim countries do not have such schemes and many other hundreds of schemes provided by Indian government for Muslims!

The Tamil Nadu government’s scheme for supply of free rice to mosques for preparation of gruel during the fasting month of Ramzan has been lauded by a Pakistani Tv channel, which also wants the government there to adopt the scheme, AIADMK claimed on Thursday.

“’SAMAA’, a Pakistan-based television channel has aired a news about Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s scheme of free rice to make gruel during the holy month of Ramzan and it wanted its government to emulate it,” party’s mouthpiece Dr Namadhu MGR said in its new edition.

The newspaper also published a video-grab taken from the channel showing Ms. Jayalalithaa displaying the victory sign, also a marker of her party symbol ‘two-leaves, it said.

The article said the channel aired the news based on a news-item by a Pakistani news agency.

Reference:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tn-government-rice-scheme-for-mosques-lauded-by-pak-tv-channel-aiadmk/article7329862.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/jayalalithaa-lays-stress-on-islams-virtues/article6236836.ece

Nitish Kumar's new schemes for Muslims in 2013

Nitish Kumar in year 2013 made new freebie, goodies announcements for Muslims and dalits.

After releasing the government's report card, 2013, Nitish announced to increase the lifelong monthly pension to the families of 1989 Bhagalpur riot victims from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000. The state government had started a pension of Rs 2,500 for them in 2007.


The CM also announced to increase the monthly payment to the volunteers managing the 10,000 Talimi Markaz, the preschool institutions for poor Muslims, and 20,000 'tola sevaks' running similar schools for mahadalits. Under the scheme launched in 2012-13, they were getting a monthly stipend of Rs3,500 which has been increased to Rs5,000.

Apart from this, the CM announced to extend the scholarship scheme to all girls from class I to class X of government recognized madrassas for government financial aid.

Nitish said Bihar government would implement the Food Security Act from February 1, 2014, and the government would finalize the list of beneficiaries from the final list of Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) and make ration cards available to them. In this context, he said every now and then the agencies hired by the Centre stop payment to the staff engaged in SECC work and announced that the state government would now make payment to them to avoid any delay in the list publication.

Saying that the Right to Public Service Act was a good success not only in providing facilities to the common people but also in checking corruption, the CM said it was being regularly reviewed and the time limit for issuing income, caste and residential certificates had been reduced from three weeks to two weeks. "The limit will be minimized further and the general administration department has been asked to identify the services to help the needy people," he said and added that for certain services, Tatkal service would also be started.

Nitish said, "The atmosphere of communal and social harmony created by the government in the state will not be allowed to be distributed at any cost. We have also faced several challenges and many more will come. But we will face them with patience."

Reference:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/CM-Nitish-Kumar-releases-report-card-woos-Muslims-and-dalits/articleshow/26378953.cms

CM Mamata Banerjee announces Eid bonus worth 400 crore for Muslim staff - 2015

In its bid to appease the Muslim population before next year's Assembly elections, Mamata Banerjee's government has announced festival bonus for those state government employees who belong to the minority community. These employees whose monthly salaries are within Rs Rs 24,000 will get Rs 3,200 as festival bonus on July 15, ahead of the Eid.

Mamata on Eid event

State finance minister Amit Mitra told reporters that the government will have to bear an additional expenditure of Rs 400 crore for the purpose. "The state government will. 400 crore for the payment use of bonus and festival advance to our employees. This is a gesture on our part before the festival season," Mitra said af ter announcing the scheme.

But the finance minister remained silent about payment of dearness allowances (DA) to its employees. Presently, state government employees are getting lower DA than those who are employed with Central government establishments and there has been a very strong resentment among the state government employees over this discrimination.

A senior official of the finance depart ment said that the government might announce a significant increase in payment of DA to its employees by the year end or early next year.

Assembly elections in Bengal will take place before May in 2016 and by announcing DA payment before that Mamata's government might take the opportunity to appease its employees before the polls.Apart from giving festival bonus, the state government has also decided to give festival advance to its employees. Employees whose salaries fall between Rs 35,000, are Rs 24,000 and eligible to take festival ad vance worth Rs 3500. But the employees will have to repay this advance maximum in eight instalments.

State government employees who do not belong to the minority community, will also get festival bonus which will be paid to them between October 5 and 9.

Other news(2013):

In what could come in handy for the ruling Trinamool Congress ahead of the 2014 general elections West Bengal Government has spent about 160 per cent more than what it used to for the minorities two years before.

Releasing the figures State Finance Minister Amit Mitra on Thursday said the State which spent about Rs 330 crore for the minorities in 2011-2012 had upped the budget to Rs 859 crore in 2013-2014.

The budget takes into account increase in scholarship for the Muslim students and extending coaching facilities to them for competitive examinations. This, apart from providing financial aid to self-employed people from the minority community.

“It makes us proud to announce that our Government has effected a five-fold increase in the scholarships given to the Muslim students,” Mitra said adding how the past Left Government had a budget layout of only Rs 330 crore which had more than tripled in a matter of two years.

“We are giving scholarship to 34 lakh students now whereas only about 7.4 lakh minority students used to get scholarship” during previous regime he maintained at a Government function adding the State.

Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim said the State was currently giving assistance to about 1.57 lakh self-employed people.

More than 25 percent of the State’s population is Muslim most of who had backed Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in 2009 general elections and 2011 Assembly polls bringing her to power.

Meanwhile, acting on the “advise” of a Muslim cleric the police on Thursday stopped the telecasting of a Bengali serial scripted by controversial Bangla writer Tasleema Nasreen Home Department sources said.

In yet another display of clout the top Muslim clerics enjoyed over the Trinamool Congress Government the Bangla serial that was to be telecast from Thursday was stopped after Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque Nurur Rehman Barkati reportedly met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to express his displeasure over the proposed airing of the play.

With barely ten months to go for next assembly elections in West Bengal, chief minister Mamata Banerjeeseems keen to keep the minority communities contented. She has asked her administration to speed up the process for giving scholarships to Muslim students.

Scholarships:

"We have already introduced online system to enable Muslim students to apply for scholarships our government has been providing to them. But I have information that lakhs of Muslim students who are poor can't apply online to get the scholarships. You please help these students so that they can avail online system to get the scholarships. If necessary, you should hold camps at village levels to help these students to use the online system to get scholarship money," the chief minister told officials during her hundredth administrative meeting held at Burdwan on Wednesday.

Reference:

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-07-10/news/64282614_1_festival-bonus-state-government-employees-festival-advance

http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/wb-spends-more-than-double-for-muslims-now.html

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-07-16/news/64495024_1_bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-muslim-students-muslim-population

Mamata to provide new loans, employment, Urdu as second official language in West Bengal

Mamata Banerjee on 2012 announced new loan schemes, creating an employment bank and promising official stamp on 10,000 madrasas.

The announcement comes days after she declared a monthly honorarium and housing subsidy for imams in the state. Outlining schemes undertaken for uplift of Muslims in the state, she said her government had increased allocation for the minorities department by 73 per cent in the state budget for  financial year 2012.

"Our aim is to see that our brothers and sisters pursue their studies properly, receive training and get jobs. And those who cannot get jobs, can start businesses by taking loan from the government," Banerjee told a meeting organised by the West Bengal Minority Development and Finance Corporation at Barasat in North 24-Paraganas district.

Noting that a "comprehensive employment bank" would be set up to cater to the growing job needs of the youths belonging to the minority community, she said it would have its network in every district where there would be a system to enroll names.

The chief minister said 'bhavans' will be set up in the districts from where they would get all the assistance required. She also announced loans and stipends to 75,000 students.

She also took credit for bestowing the status of the second official language on Urdu in areas where there was concentration of more than ten per cent people speaking the language.

Mamata, who had earlier announced 'Nija Bhoomi, Nija Griha Scheme' under which the state will provide three kotahs of land and money to build a house to the beneficiary, said that within three years there would be no 'homeless' person in West Bengal.

She also announced that Rs 2 per kg rice would be given for another six months from now on to cyclone Aila victims. She had announced last Tuesday a package for the imams of the state, which include a monthly honorarium of Rs 2,500, a housing scheme and stipends for their children.

Muslims comprise 26 per cent of the electorate of the state and they still enjoy Minority benefits in West Bengal

Reference:

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-04-09/news/31312976_1_panchayat-polls-panchayat-election-trinamool-congress

Uttar Pradesh to spend 20% of welfare funds to Muslims(majorly) only - A decision by Akilesh Yadav

Uttar Pradesh government decided to launch a new scheme for Muslims majorly in accordance with their population density and allocate 20 per cent funds of all government welfare schemes for the purpose.

The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

File photo

The government has decided to earmark 20 per cent resources of 85 schemes run by 30 departments, and pool them in the new scheme aimed at benefiting the minorities, the Chief Minister said.

A decision has been taken to earmark those schemes which benefit specific area, ward and village, keeping in view the population of minority communities and it has been proposed to implement the new scheme in those areas where the ratio of minority population is at least 25 per cent, he said.

The scheme will include installation of handpumps, setting up of aganbari centres, construction of rural infrastructure, roads and others, Akhilesh said.

Besides these, social pension schemes, houses in rural and urban areas, Kanya Vidhya Dhan and free boring for pumps will also be included in the new scheme, the Chief Minister said, adding that, provisions of norms and eligibility criteria of the new scheme would remain like their original ones.

Charting out details of the new scheme's implementation and monitoring, the Chief Minister said, committees would be set up at government and district levels headed by the Chief Secretary and District Magistrates respectively, and to ensure transparency, two members from minority communities would be nominated to these committees.

An additional website in Hindi and Urdu would be launched to ensure transparency of the new scheme and a publicity campaign would be launched to highlight it among people.

Reference:

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-08-20/news/41429158_1_new-scheme-minority-population-chief-minister-akhilesh-yadav

Congress spent more than 10,000 crores for Muslims and Christians using public funds during 2004-2014. And they continue..

With the launch of Prime Minister's 15 point program and other programs for Muslims and Christians majorly by Congress, Congress spent more than 10,000 crores using public funds. Most of the schemes created by Congress are still active after NDA came to power in 2014. The BJP led NDA government has so far continued these sickular billions worth schemes created by Congress

The schemes majorly consisted of:-

• Funding billions of rupees for Muslim Madrasas
•  Computerizing Muslim Wakf boards
• Spending billions for scholarship of Muslims and Christians (worth 35,000 for each individual even though the scores of student is not proficient)
• Development of Urdu, online Urdu training, funding Urdu news papers
• Special police protection and communal riots compensation
• Higher education scholarships
• Abroad studies financial assistance
• Special coaching, financial assistance for coaching
• Special training for UPSC exams with financial assistance
• Reservation in Government Jobs, Reservation in Police jobs

File photo

Below are the details of budget/expenditure made by Congress using public funds for majorly Muslims and Christians:-

For details of other bills and details of each scheme visit section:- Central Sickular Bills

Visit: minorityaffairs.gov.in.