‘Govt to ensure welfare of minorities’

Since the BJP government assumed power, it has been working for the welfare of the minority communities, according to chief minister Jagadish Shettar.

Speaking to media persons after giving away loans worth Rs5.38 crore under various schemes for the minorities, Shettar said: “The government has constantly increased the funds to be spent for the welfare of minorities. Today we have released funds worth Rs5.38 crore to 4,791 persons under Swavalamban Yojana, Arivu Yojana, Shramashakthi Yojana, Micro Sahayakadhana Yojana.”

“In the 2012-13 budget, the government allotted Rs120 crore for the welfare of minorities while in 2011-2012 it earmarked Rs95 crore and in 2010-2011, Rs56 crore. Earlier governments were allotting less than Rs25 crore for minority welfare in each budget,” the chief minister said.

“The BJP government has given educational loans worth Rs85.1 crore to 46,924 students. It will continue to help students from the minority communities by providing more educational loans,” Shettar said, adding: “The government has formed a samithi for Christians as well and has provided funds to them too.”

“Of the total funds released to Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation (KMDC), 80 percent has been given to Muslims, 10 percent for Christians and remaining 10 percent for other minority communities,” Shettar said. “Jains too are considered a minority community and funds will be released to them in the coming days,” he said.

Warning those are involved in terrorism, Shettar said: “Stringent action will be taken against those who are involved in acts of terrorism. The government has ensured that there in no political interference in the fight against

Terrorism, “ adding that: “Innocent people need not fear. We will provide them security,” he said.

Shivajinagar MLA R Roshan Baig said police have been raiding houses of Muslims and arresting those who are suspected of being involved in terrorism activities. “There have been many instances where the arrested have been proved innocent,” he said, adding there should a detailed investigation into the recent arrests made by the police.

According to some members of the Jain community, Jains are not considered a minority community.

The central government is not treating the Jain community as it does other minority communities,” said Sajjanraj Mehta, a representative of the Jain community who is planning to write a letter to the CM in this regard.