With the government coming in for criticism for allegedly ill-treating minorities, cabinet minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Saturday said he was all for development of minorities and would ensure it.

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In city, he met minorities development minister Eknath Khadse, promising him all the assistance he needs.

Naqvi also said Maharasthra was lagging behind in implementation of various schemes for minorities, and that only 35-40% have been kick-started.

On the education sector, which he said was key for the community's development, the state had achieved only 38% of the target in opening primary schools for minorities, Naqvi added. "The decision to release central funds often depends on the utilisation rate of the previous grants. Maharashtra needs to look into this matter and speed up implementation rate. Kerala has already utilised 100% funds and has capacity to absorb more."

Seconding Naqvi, Khadse demanded higher merit scholarship for minority students, saying the present amount of Rs25,000 be increased to Rs35,000. Khadse also said about 15 girls' hostels are being built across the state, and that the Centre will be giving Rs100 crore towards Maulana Azad Minorities Financial Development Corporation.

Naqvi advised thrust on skill development as a large number of minorities are involved in such labour, and hence, it will be beneficial to them. He also suggested that agreements be made with corporates for optimum use of skilled manpower.